Crack Your Back at Home? Not a Good Idea

By Stepy Kamei

You've probably felt the satisfaction that comes with cracking your joints at some point. Whether you intentionally make an effort to crack your neck, back, fingers, etc., or it happens on accident as you move a joint suddenly or abruptly, there's no denying that cracking your joints can bring about a sense of satisfaction. However, does cracking your back, joints, etc., actually provide any real benefits to your health? Or is it actually a sign that you're damaging your joints? It's a good idea to stay informed about how to take care of your joints, which is something any doctor of chiropractic can help you with. Read on to learn more about cracking your joints and how chiropractic adjustments can help you achieve better joint health in a safe manner.

Cracking Your Joints at Home

So is it safe to crack your back, neck, or joints outside of a chiropractic clinic? Is it safe to give yourself a root canal outside the dentist's office? 

Chiropractors are trained to make adjustments to the joints without damaging the tendons and ligaments that surround the joint; this is why they go to school for years. Do you really want to leave your back and neck in the hands of your cousin who learned how to "crack a back" in fifth grade? It's one thing to pull your finger and pop your knuckle; it you screw it up, it's not the end of the world. But your spine? Your neck? The risks and consequences are greater even though disaster doesn't usually strike.

 The sound of the crack or pop that occurs is the result of gas being released from the joints in the area. Although it may provide a feeling of relief for many people, and it may feel comforting, it's not the best habit to get in. Leave it to the pros. Besides, cracking your back does not remove the restrictions on the vertebrae that are ultimately causing the real damage to achieving optimal health.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Work

If you feel the need to crack your joints very often, especially in a particular part of your body, it might be a good idea to consult with a doctor of chiropractic. You may be experiencing a subluxation, or misalignment, within your musculoskeletal structure without even realizing it. Fortunately, a licensed doctor of chiropractic at The Joint Chiropractic clinic nearest you can help!

Our chiropractors can help bring about better posture, improved health overall, and reduced pain and pressure using safe yet effective manual manipulation techniques. These techniques can get rid of those harmful subluxations and reduce the feeling of needing to crack your joints. Chiropractic is a holistic treatment plan aimed at bringing your entire body into a place of better well-being overall.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Greenville, S.C.