AboutDr. Kevin D. Kanz Expertise Careers in Chiropractic Health Care.
Chiropractic Education, preparation and requirements.
Chiropractic licensing and governmental regulation.
Chiropractic research and multidisciplinary management.
Complementory and Alternative Health Career Options.
Experience
Past/Present clients Texas Chiropractic Association.
Texas Chiropractic College.
Parker College of Chiropractic.
Research & Oversight Council on Workers' Compensation.
Texas Association of School Boards.
Texas Worker's Compensation Insurance Fund.
Question Hello, I have always wondered: Is it bad to crack your back?
Answer Hi Joey,
This a good question... You can imagine that I get it asked to me all the time... So here goes: The "crack or pop" you hear when you stretch your spine or your knuckles is actually a neutralization of pressure within the joint capsule. Joints that get used frequently with a great deal of muscle contraction or weight bearing pressure tend to compress or pressurize forcing the lubricating fluid (synovial fluid) to become more viscus and tacky. We actually have nerves within our joints that can sense this build up of pressure. When we feel this pressure we tend to stretch, just as we stretch and yawn when we awaken from sleep. Often we will feel pops and cracks when we do this, and it is very normal to experience this... This is actually little nitrogen bubbles coming out of solution in the synovial fluid. It's good for the joint and can actually free movement as well as improving the lubricating effect of the synovium. It is not advisable to try and force your spine to pop or crack however, other than just a simple stretch in the direction of normal movement... I've seen many people who have actually injured themselves trying to make themselves "crack" or pop... As humans, we generally don't have the capacity to move our own spines beyond normal joint restriction. It is frequently very awkward, and can be damaging to the joint to try and crack your own spine or neck if it does not release under normal stretching conditions. Because the spine is such a vital part of controlling and regulating function in our bodies, it's always better to see a professional. Generally chiropractors and osteopaths are the most experienced and skilled at providing appropriate manipulation or adjustment to the spine... So the simple answer is that it is not "bad" to experience a "crack or pop" with normal stretching, but you should never try and force your spine beyond it's normal range of movement unless you know exactly what you are doing...
Hope this helps.
Dr.K
