Cracking your back or neck can provide quick relief and a satisfying pop, but is it a safe practice?
“When you stretch or manipulate your spine“For example, by twisting or bending, the pressure in the joint changes,” Dr. William Kemo, a neurosurgeon at the Virginia Spine Institute, told Fox News Digital.
“This can cause a sudden release of gas bubbles, resulting in a cracking sound.”
BE WELL: KEEP YOUR BONES STRONG TO PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS
People often crack their back or neck out of habit or for temporary relief tension or stiffnessI noticed.
“Typically, they do this to relax their back or neck when they are tense or stiff. The ‘crunch’ is the popping of a tight or stiff facet joint.”
People often crack their back or neck out of habit to temporarily relieve tension or stiffness, one doctor noted. (iStock)
Although crunching may release endorphins (feel-good chemicals) for temporary relief, it doesn’t resolve the source of the tension, according to Tori Hartline, a chiropractor at Sunlife Chiropractic in Frisco, Texas.
ASK A DOC: “HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY POSTURE?” »
Chips or cracks can even lead to injury, she warned.
“Chiropractors are trained to look for restricted areas of the spine and make specific adjustments to reduce tension and improve range of motion,” Hartline said.
Cracking your back or neck can cause a myriad of health problems, experts warn. (iStock)
“When an individual attempts to pop their back or neck, the segments releasing gas are hypermobile segments relative to the area of restriction. The joints above and below the area of restriction will move too much to compensate .”
She added: “Therefore, these cracks do not solve the problem and can instead lead to further injuries. »
The consequences of a cracked back or neck can include joint hypermobility, sprains or strains due to the joint being too far outside its proper range of motion — and even fracture if too much pressure is applied, Hartline noted.
FOR ACUTE LOWER BACK PAIN, HERE ARE THE BEST MEDICATIONS, ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY
Kemo agreed, warning that crack your back can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your spine.
“This can cause strain on the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spine, potentially causing injury or exacerbating existing problems,” he added.
One expert suggested seeing a licensed chiropractor to identify areas of restriction and prescribe therapeutic exercises and stretches. (iStock)
It is particularly dangerous to crack your neck, as this could impede blood circulation and, in very rare cases, increase risk of strokeaccording to Dr. Todd Sinett, chiropractor at Tru Whole Care in New York.
Alternatives to cracking
There are many safe alternatives that will provide longer-term relief without worsening potential spinal problems, Kemo said.
“Commit to a daily stretching routine and basic muscle exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the spine,” he recommended.
WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS? CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS…
