Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 3/13/2009

Question
Hey i don't know if this is your area of expertise but i usually pump weights and push my self at work to lift heavyer things but lately in the last 3 monthes when i wake up myback is so stiff i have to crawl over to a bar in my room and crack my back and through the day get freinds to crack it just so i can move it. is it bad to crack it so much and why does it get so stiff and during this whole time i have been more tired then ever and deppressed could there be something wrong with my back or is it just in my head? and is it bad to crack it? Thnks for your answer if it helps im 18

Answer
Yes, it is bad to just crack your back in the way you describe.  Although you may hear a "crack" when you see a chiropractor, what we do is very specific, not just to crack things to feel looser.  You may have a misalignment or 2 causing the stiffness you describe, leading to the stiffness.  A good chiropractor should be able to asses it, including xrays. treat, and rehab the injury to make it stronger.