Have you ever wondered what actually happens when you crack your back? From popping your knuckles to cracking your back, many people are familiar with the sound it makes. Going to the chiropractor is also commonly associated with getting your back cracked. When done properly, this can be an effective form of back pain treatment that addresses a wide variety of health concerns. But when you crack your back without the help of a chiropractor, you might wonder, is cracking your back bad? The answer is: it depends. Here’s a bit more information on what happens when you crack your back.
What Does Happen When You Crack Your Back
The spine is made up of vertebrae, which are individual joints stacked one on top of the other, that are separated with spinal discs that provide cushion and shock absorption. Along the outer edges of the vertebrae are squishy soft tissues known as facet joints where nerve roots pass through and send signals from your brain to the rest of your body. When you twist or turn a certain way, it can cause a cracking back sound that is familiar to many. That sound is actually caused by the sound of pressure releasing in and around the vertebrae.
The spinal joints release gases that can make a cracking or popping sound. When you crack your back, it tends to relieve built-up pressure on the spine and those specific vertebrae. As your body releases that pressure, it can also trigger your body to release hormones like endorphins. These natural chemicals are actually known to improve your mood and can leave you feeling very satisfied after that buildup of pressure is released.
What Doesn’t Happen When You Crack Your Back
Now, what about what doesn’t happen when you crack your back? Contrary to popular belief, there aren’t actually any bones cracking or popping. The release of the gases is what makes that sound, not any type of bone rubbing against bone. In fact, your bones are not actually cracking and popping, and cracking your back or any other joints in the body does not cause you to break them. If you are wondering, “is it bad to crack your back?” then it might be because of these misunderstandings about what actually happens when you crack your back.
Benefits and Risks of Cracking Your Back
While cracking your back doesn’t actually break any bones, there are risks as well as benefits to the process. Most notably, it is best to crack your back and other joints with a professional so that it is done properly. An important thing to keep in mind when you crack your back is that it shouldn’t cause you more pain. Here are some benefits and risks of cracking your back at home and with a chiropractor.
How to Crack Your Back at Home
If you crack your back at home, then you want to make sure you do so with natural movements. That includes natural stretching and twisting or turning that doesn’t require you to apply any additional pressure or force. Some people can simply turn their shoulders and twist their torso to crack their back, while others can’t do that without applying pressure to the area. However, applying force yourself when trying to crack your back can cause damage to your muscles and nerves nearby. There are stretches and exercises you can do at home to safely crack your back, and your chiropractor can talk to you about what might work best for you.
Getting Your Back Cracked by a Chiropractor
The best way to ensure safety when cracking your back is to see a chiropractor. Your chiropractor is trained and skilled in identifying misalignments in the spine and joints and resolving those safely and effectively. In fact, when you see a chiropractor, you may not even hear that cracking or popping sound but will still experience lasting relief. Chiropractic care includes spinal manipulations and adjustments that provide lasting relief from pain, help you recover from an injury, and help improve your body’s overall functioning.
If you are looking for an effective option for back pain treatment, you can try the best chiropractor near you open now, then visit AICA Orthopedics in Atlanta and meet with our team of knowledgeable and experienced chiropractors.