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Table of Contents
Source of the Sound
Is Daily Back Cracking Safe?
Contradictions
Chiropractic Adjustments
Backcrackinginvolves stretching or extending thespine, which can make a popping sound. It is generally considered safe, but there are certainconditionsunder which people should avoid cracking their backs.
This article will cover what causes the sound of back cracking. It will also address possible benefits, risks, and how to safely crack your back.
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Back Cracking 101: Source of Popping Sound
There have been many theories surrounding the source of popping from back cracking. Some common theories have included the moving of tendons and the formation of nitrogen bubbles. However, there has been recent research stemming from the use of a new type ofmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)— cine MRI — to study the source of the noise. Cine MRI produces moving images.
This 2015 study using this MRI found that the formation of bubbles makes a popping sound. This is nearly the opposite of the commonly held belief that the popping sound comes from the popping of bubbles in thesynovial fluid.
When someone cracks their back, it pulls the bones of the joint apart, and the force causes the pressure within the joint to drop and form a bubble. The study found that the bubble eventually dissipates.
CrepitusThe medical term for cracking or popping noise from joints iscrepitus. It is not a condition or disease but can be a symptom of one. Other terms for popping or cracking include clicking or crunching.
Crepitus
The medical term for cracking or popping noise from joints iscrepitus. It is not a condition or disease but can be a symptom of one. Other terms for popping or cracking include clicking or crunching.
Back cracking once per day is generally considered safe. However, if it causes pain or swelling, then it should be stopped. If someone feels the need to crack their back more than once per day, then it could be a sign that they need to see a healthcare provider.
People may crack their backs to address certain conditions or to relieve unpleasant symptoms. These can include:
Thoughback crackingcan provide temporary relief for some conditions, some serious side effects like neurological problems or strokes (a blockage of blood flow or bleeding in the brain) have been reported.
More often, people may experience mild side effects like headache, stiffness, or pain. These side effects tend to resolve within a day.
When someone has the feeling that they need to crack their back they can perform aspine stretch. Here are a couple ofstretchesand movements.
There are several back-cracking assistive devices on the market, such as poles and wheels. Talk to a healthcare provider before using one to ensure it is safe for you.
Can’t Crack Your Back?If someone has the feeling that they want or need to crack their back but are unable to, the next step would be to stretch. If the sensation continues after stretching, contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation to ensure there is no underlying condition causing the sensation.
Can’t Crack Your Back?
If someone has the feeling that they want or need to crack their back but are unable to, the next step would be to stretch. If the sensation continues after stretching, contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation to ensure there is no underlying condition causing the sensation.
Who Should Be Careful With Back Cracking
Back cracking can cause additional stress or damage to the joints in those who have back injuries or other conditions. People with these conditions should avoid back cracking:
Getting a Professional Back Cracking Adjustment
Achiropractoris a healthcare provider who specializes in the spine and spinal adjustments. They perform adjustments to the spine and other areas of the body to correct any alignment problems, reduce pain, and allow the body to recover on its own.
Summary
Some may have the feeling that they need to crack their back. Generally, this is considered safe and easy. But people with certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis, should avoid cracking their backs. Anyone who is uncertain as to how to safely crack their back should see their healthcare provider for instruction.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kawchuk GN, Fryer J, Jaremko JL, et al.Real-time visualization of joint cavitation. Zhang Q, ed.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(4):e0119470. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0119470AICA Orthopedics.Is cracking your back bad?National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Spinal manipulation: what you need to know.American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Spine conditioning program.MedlinePlus.Chiropractic.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kawchuk GN, Fryer J, Jaremko JL, et al.Real-time visualization of joint cavitation. Zhang Q, ed.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(4):e0119470. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0119470AICA Orthopedics.Is cracking your back bad?National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Spinal manipulation: what you need to know.American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Spine conditioning program.MedlinePlus.Chiropractic.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kawchuk GN, Fryer J, Jaremko JL, et al.Real-time visualization of joint cavitation. Zhang Q, ed.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(4):e0119470. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0119470AICA Orthopedics.Is cracking your back bad?National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Spinal manipulation: what you need to know.American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Spine conditioning program.MedlinePlus.Chiropractic.
Kawchuk GN, Fryer J, Jaremko JL, et al.Real-time visualization of joint cavitation. Zhang Q, ed.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(4):e0119470. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0119470
AICA Orthopedics.Is cracking your back bad?
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Spinal manipulation: what you need to know.
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Spine conditioning program.
MedlinePlus.Chiropractic.
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