Man Says He Will Never Crack His Neck Again After Suffering Life-Threatening Strokes

A routine habit that many people consider harmless has left one fitness professional reflecting on how quickly life can change.

Donald McAvoy, also known as Frue, has spoken publicly about his experience after suffering multiple strokes in December 2023. The 38-year-old father had regularly cracked his neck to ease stiffness and discomfort, believing it was simply a way to make himself feel better.

He now says he would never do it again.

His experience has also highlighted a rare but serious condition known as vertebral artery dissection, in which a tear develops in an artery in the neck that supplies blood to the brain.

A habit he thought was harmless

Before his medical emergency, McAvoy described himself as fit and active. He had been dealing with ongoing neck and back discomfort and sought help from a chiropractor.

Following one neck adjustment, he said his neck became particularly painful and remained sore for an extended period.

Rather than stopping the movement altogether, he began cracking his own neck in an attempt to relieve the stiffness.

For years, neck cracking had not seemed particularly concerning to him. Like many people, he regarded the popping sensation as an ordinary response to tension or discomfort.

However, he says he was unaware that forceful neck movements can, in rare circumstances, be associated with an injury to a blood vessel.

His story does not mean that everyone who cracks their neck is at risk of having a stroke. Vertebral artery dissection is uncommon, and a direct cause and effect cannot automatically be assumed in every individual case.

However, his experience serves as a reminder that sudden or persistent neck pain should not simply be ignored.

The terrifying moment everything changed

In December 2023, McAvoy was at home eating and watching football when he suddenly began choking.

The situation rapidly became much more serious.

He experienced a sudden loss of vision, dizziness, nausea and severe problems with balance and coordination. His symptoms were completely different from the ordinary stiffness he had experienced previously.

He was taken to hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with multiple strokes linked to a vertebral artery dissection.

A vertebral artery is one of the blood vessels that carries blood towards the brain. If the inner lining of the artery becomes damaged, a blood clot can potentially develop. That clot may then interfere with blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke.

In McAvoy's case, doctors believed his neck manipulation was associated with the arterial injury.

The experience turned what had seemed like an everyday habit into a life-changing medical emergency.

Months of recovery followed

McAvoy's condition was severe enough to require intensive medical treatment.

Doctors administered a clot-busting medication before performing an emergency thrombectomy, a procedure used to remove a blood clot and restore blood flow to the brain.

He also needed a tracheostomy to assist with breathing and required a feeding tube because he was unable to swallow safely.

The father spent 24 days in intensive care before moving to rehabilitation for another 24 days.

His recovery did not end when he left hospital.

He required months of physical, occupational and speech therapy as he worked to regain abilities that had previously been automatic.

Walking, standing, speaking and swallowing all became skills he had to work on again.

For someone who had previously helped other people with their fitness and health, suddenly needing assistance himself was particularly difficult.

McAvoy has described the experience as having to rebuild his life from the beginning.

Even after extensive rehabilitation, he continues to experience problems including double vision, difficulties with balance, fatigue, altered depth perception and numbness affecting one side of his body.

Can cracking your neck cause a stroke?

Neck manipulation has been investigated in relation to cervical artery dissection, although the precise relationship remains complex.

Vertebral artery dissection can occur for a variety of reasons, and in some cases there may be no obvious cause. Neck trauma, sudden movements and certain physical activities have all been considered possible triggers in some circumstances.

Importantly, McAvoy's experience should not be interpreted as proof that ordinary neck cracking will cause a stroke.

The risk is considered rare, but the potential consequences are serious enough that people should seek medical advice if they develop unusual symptoms after neck manipulation or experience persistent neck pain accompanied by neurological symptoms.

Anyone considering chiropractic or other forms of neck manipulation should discuss their individual circumstances with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Warning signs of a stroke

Knowing the symptoms of a stroke can make a critical difference.

In the UK, the NHS recommends remembering the FAST test:

F means Face. Ask the person to smile. Is one side of their face drooping?

A means Arms. Can they raise both arms, or is one arm weak or numb?

S means Speech. Is their speech slurred, confused or difficult to understand?

T means Time. If any of these symptoms appear suddenly, call 999 immediately.

There are other warning signs that should also be taken seriously.

A stroke can cause sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body. It may also lead to sudden vision problems, confusion, difficulty speaking, dizziness, loss of balance or a severe headache.

Symptoms can vary considerably depending on which part of the brain is affected.

A transient ischaemic attack, commonly called a TIA or mini stroke, can produce similar symptoms that disappear after a short period. Even when symptoms improve, urgent medical assessment is still important because a TIA can be a warning of a more serious stroke.

Why fast treatment matters

A stroke is a medical emergency because brain cells can become damaged when their blood supply is interrupted.

The sooner a person receives appropriate treatment, the greater the opportunity may be to reduce the effects of the stroke.

That is why people should not wait to see whether symptoms disappear.

If someone suddenly develops facial weakness, arm weakness, speech difficulties, vision loss, severe dizziness or other possible stroke symptoms, call 999 and explain that a stroke may be happening.

Do not attempt to drive the person to hospital yourself unless instructed to do so.

McAvoy wants his story to help others

Despite the enormous impact the strokes have had on his life, McAvoy has chosen to speak about what happened in the hope that other people will pay closer attention to unusual symptoms.

His message is not intended to frighten people away from every form of neck movement or treatment.

Instead, he wants people to understand that apparently healthy and active individuals can still experience serious medical emergencies.

His story also underlines the importance of listening to your body.

Persistent neck pain, sudden neurological symptoms or a dramatic change in vision should not simply be dismissed as muscle tension or tiredness.

For McAvoy, the road to recovery has involved rebuilding his independence one step at a time. He continues to live with lasting effects from the strokes, but says the experience has changed his outlook and strengthened his appreciation for time spent with his family.

His experience is a powerful reminder that when serious symptoms appear, acting quickly can matter enormously.

Sources

• The Sun, published August 25, 2026.
• NHS, information on stroke symptoms, treatment and emergency care.
• Stroke Association, information and guidance about stroke, TIA and recovery.

Medical disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The story described above concerns one individual's experience and does not establish that neck cracking causes strokes in general. Vertebral artery dissection is a rare condition with multiple possible causes. If you experience sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech problems, vision loss, severe dizziness, loss of balance or other possible signs of stroke, call 999 immediately. For personal medical concerns, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.