Cracking Your Own Neck and Back
By Sara Butler
You'd be hard-pressed to sit in front of someone who hasn't been sitting in front of their computer, diligently working, roll their head around and pop their own neck. Or perhaps you find your back to be a little sore, so you lean backwards until you hear that satisfying popping sound. It happens. The question is: What would the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic say about that? Is it safe? Here's what you need to know about cracking your own back and neck and where the chiropractors at The Joint stand on the issue.
What's Going On?
When you crack your own back or neck, you're not achieving the same thing as your chiropractor does when performing an adjustment. That cracking or popping sound you hear when cracking your spine is the release of pressure built up in the fluid that bathes your joints. You're not actually adjusting anything yourself and could be causing more problems down the road. Remember, your body was made to move. Your joints don't want to be stuck, and popping your own neck or back can offer temporary relief but is definitely not a long-term solution to joint dysfunction and restriction.
The Risks
There are some risks associated with cracking your own neck and back. It's important to remember that your spine is a complex structure of bones, discs, nerves, and ligaments. Applying force to these structures is risky and can result in injury. For example, if you have a bulging disc and are unaware of it, cracking your own back and neck runs the risk of making the condition worse and causing you serious pain.
As mentioned, cracking your own neck and back may provide temporary relief, which is why people do it. But it doesn't fix joint restrictions and dysfunctions that may be present. You run the risk of actually making joint restrictions and dysfunctions worse when you try to take matters into your own hands.
Choose Chiropractic Care
You may hear similar popping or cracking sounds when you visit the chiropractor for an adjustment, but rest assured there is a difference between what you do to yourself and what the chiropractor does for you. Your chiropractor assesses your spine to see if any joint restrictions and dysfunctions exist, then performs targeted adjustments where necessary. They have years of training to help them know what to do and what to look for -- training you do not have.
Chiropractors don't perform adjustments to themselves and you shouldn't either!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Orlando, Fla.