09/09/2021
Is cracking of the neck or back or bones and joints good or beneficial ?
While itβs probably going to lead to harm, cracking your knuckles doesnβt necessarily have any benefits, either.
We all know a knuckle cracker. If youβre one yourself, you probably spent your childhood listening to well-meaning adults tell you to stop, before you cause damage to your joints.
As an adult, you might also get a feeling of relief out of cracking your back or neck β but why does this happen, and is it safe? Hereβs what you should know.
Knuckle cracking: probably safe
Doctors have debated for decades about why joints make that βpoppingβ sound. The prevailing theory used to be that it was the sound of a bubble bursting in the synovial fluid that surrounds the joints, but current research suggests it is actually the creation of a cavity, or negative space, in the fluid that leads to the noise. Also degenerate bones and joints by wearing out the cartilage that operates as a cushion and a lubricant for the joints
What about neck and back cracking? Thanks to our sedentary lifestyles of sitting at our desks all day and our penchant for staring down at our phones, which leads to βtext neck,β we may find ourselves having neck or back pain. Somehow, the feeling of release you get after a good crack seems to make it better (although some research has shown that this is just a psychological placebo effect).
While itβs probably okay to occasionally self-crack your neck or back, donβt have a friend do it for you, because they could apply too much pressure and cause injury. When youβre talking about your spine, you want to be careful β so only get your back or neck adjusted from a physical therapist.
Even then, there has been research indicating neck manipulations could in rare cases lead to stroke, so make sure you tell your practitioner, if you are at an increased risk of stroke. And be sure to talk to your health care provider, if you have any concerns about the risks of such procedures.
βThe evidence of whether or not cracking your neck can cause damage is fairly inconclusive,β says an orthopaedic surgeon at the USC Spine Center of Keck Medicine and assistant professor of clinical orthopaedic surgery at the Keck School. βThere is evidence that cracking your neck or back is a risk factor for disc degeneration.β
If you donβt want to go the professional route, other home remedies may be effective for neck and back pain besides cracking. Try massage or a back rub. Better yet,make an appointment with narine boodoo & associates therapy clinic remember to get up and stretch every once in a while, to prevent the aches and pains that come from prolonged sitting. Exercise can also benefit anyone with joint problems, so make sure you keep active.
If thereβs pain, see your preferred therapist at our clinic
Narine Boodoo 3523571/6627736.
Shaun Boodoo 6896594.
Sheldon Boodoo 7127881/3257222.
Jessie Boodoo 2751722.
Although alot of people and so called professionals out there, thinks back or knuckle cracking is probably harmless, the exception is if it causes pain. In that case, it could be a problem with the structure of the joint or surrounding areas, such as torn cartilage or damaged ligaments. If you already have arthritis or another issue, such as tendonitis, that could also be the cause of pain with or from cracking. Talk to your therapist to address the underlying problem with their treatment
