It’s possible that you take pleasure in manipulating, cracking, or adjusting your back. But does a cracked back lead to arthritis? Let’s find out!
Cracking your back does not cause arthritis. In fact, it’s generally accepted that it’s safe to crack any of your joints, including your knuckles, neck, back, and hips. The opposite may be true for some individuals; when done correctly, back cracking can actually relieve some forms of arthritis.
Please read this article to learn more about the connection between arthritis and racking your back.
Is It Bad to Crack Your Back If You Have Arthritis?
Now, is it okay to crack your back if you already have arthritis? You should decide whether to crack your back based on the type and severity of your arthritis as well as how much pain you are experiencing. Morning stiffness brought on by rheumatoid arthritis may tempt some people to try to crack their backs, but gentle stretching is usually a better option—but only if it doesn’t hurt.
Cracking your back may feel good for those who have osteoarthritis. But the type of cracking matters, also. It’s best to avoid attempting to crack the back if the bones are grinding against one another and producing a grinding sound or sensation because this could make the situation worse.
For relief from their pain, people with arthritis should visit a chiropractor. arthritis-related joint pain and inflammation can be reduced with chiropractic care.
The risk of developing a back fracture due to arthritis is not in making the condition worse. Instead, it’s all about your pain levels or comfort levels. You should probably crack your back if it feels good. It’s probably best to skip it if it hurts or makes you uncomfortable.
Naturally, speaking with a qualified chiropractor can help you understand better how to treat arthritis-related spinal pain.
Is It Bad to Crack Your Back Every Day?
Over time, cracking your back more than once a day might not be the healthiest practice. Continuous pain or discomfort before or after you manipulate your spine is a sign that your back needs to be treated.
Instead of cracking your back too often, do gentle stretches and exercises that help improve strength, flexibility, and posture.
If you feel the need to crack your back due to some type of discomfort or feeling that your spine is out of place, it’s best to consult a professional to come up with a treatment and identify underlying causes.
Over-popping healthy joints can irritate them and make them feel as though they must keep repeatedly cracking their backs. Some individuals may even become fixated on the notion that repeatedly cracking their backs will realign their spine.
The urge to crack your back frequently may be a symptom of an underlying issue that needs attention. You may find momentary relief by cracking your back, but the real solution is to identify the root of the problem and find a solution.
Can You Injure Yourself While Cracking Your Back?
Some people are worried that cracking their back will cause a slipped disc or another injury. While this isn’t out of the realm of possibility, it’s not a common occurrence. Of course, this largely depends on how you go about cracking your back. Any fastback cracking done by yourself or someone else who hasn’t been trained to work on the spine has the potential for injury.
One typical method for people to break their backs is for a friend to grab them behind the back, lift them off the ground, and then break their spine with the force of gravity and their own weight. This practice is not advised because it may be detrimental to the spine. It’s best to have an experienced chiropractor twist your back for you if you can’t do it yourself.
When Not to Crack Your Back?
If you crack your back incorrectly or too frequently, complications may result. If you have a disc problem, are healing from an injury, are in pain, or have any other discomfort, avoid cracking your back.
After a joint has been cracked, it takes roughly 20 minutes for it to be ready for another crack. The joint has time to move back to its initial position as a result. During this time, avoid cracking your back to avoid tearing the ligaments. It shouldn’t be necessary to crack your back several times in a row.
Avoid cracking your back if you have:
- severe osteoporosis
- spinal cancer
- high risk of stroke
- an upper neck bone abnormality
- numbness, tingling, or loss of strength in an arm or leg
Even if you crack your back, some joints whose motion is restricted might not pop. The joints that are healthy and mobile will be cracked as a result. Make an appointment with a chiropractor, physical therapist, or osteopathic physician to receive a professional spinal adjustment.
Conclusion
Joint cracking that occurs naturally does not cause for concern. There’s no scientific evidence to suggest that this type of cracking or popping can cause or worsen arthritis.
Avoid cracking your back too often, forcing it into positions, or using too much pressure. Applying ice and heat to the affected area as necessary, while also engaging in stretches and exercises that support a healthy spine.
