How to Crack Your Back?

How to Crack Your Back?

By Ehren Allen, PT, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist

Is it OK to Crack your Back by Yourself?

As a physical therapist that specializes in manual therapy, patients ask “how can I crack your back?” or “is cracking my neck bad for me?” “Cracking your back,” “Cracking your neck”, or self-manipulation is common but not necessarily a healthy option for relieving pressure or pain in the spine.

People who regularly self-manipulate may enjoy the euphoric sensation that occurs due to the endorphins that release when they feel the “crack or pop.” These natural chemicals can become addictive and stimulate your brain to crave a frequent release which may lead to habitual “back cracking.” Over stressing the joints of the spine with frequent self-manipulation may lead to instability and worsening of degenerative or inflammatory issues in the spine.

Pop or Crack

A “pop” or “crack” may occur when a facet joint in the spine is rapidly separated. Facet joints are encapsulated and contain a viscous substance to lubricate the joint called synovial fluid. When the joint is quickly gapped or separated, there is a rapid change in volume of the sealed joint capsule which expands the synovial fluid. When this occurs, the fluid releases a gas which makes a popping sound. The joint is not “popping back in place” when this occurs. A quick separation of the joint surfaces for irritation of joints can also stimulate movement receptors, which inhibit pain receptors. This process may relieve pain temporarily but there is also risk of irritating or damaging tissues if the pain is due to other issues such as disk problem or sciatica.

Manipulation requires a trained professional who can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment within the scope of their practice. I do not recommend attempting this on your own.

Spinal cord schematic diagram with all sections – cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumber spine, sacrum, coccyx. And diagram of vertebra.

Range Of Motion

A safer option to relieve pain is to consider gentle ROM exercises in a range of motion that does not increase pain. This stimulates movement receptors similarly to self manipulation, but produces significantly less risk for further injury.

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Related Articles: Lower Back Muscle Anatomy and Low Back Pain , Low Back Pain. , and is it safe to crack your back or crack your neck?

JOI and JOI Rehab

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

By: Ehren Allen, PT, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist

Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.