Our backs make a popping or cracking sound for so many reasons. In fact, all the joints in our bodies can make that popping or cracking sound. You might be more familiar with cracking your knuckles and hearing that soft pop or thud as you put pressure on those finger joints. Why do we do this? Cracking your knuckles, back, or other joints can release a buildup of pressure in the joints. Similar to cracking your knuckles, cracking your back can also bring some relief. Think of when you’ve been sitting in one position for a while and stand up to stretch. When you stretch, you may also hear sounds of your back cracking. Chiropractors offer safe and effective methods for back cracking, known as spinal manipulation or adjustments. These adjustments can be part of your back pain treatment with a chiropractor.
What Causes Back Cracking Sounds?
While the most common term is ‘cracking’ your back, it is important to note that you are not actually cracking or breaking any bones. In fact, the cracking or popping actually has a name called crepitus. Your spinal column consists of 33 pieces of bone called vertebrae that are vertically stacked, one on top of the other. In between the vertebrae are soft, spongy spinal discs that help provide cushioning and support. The spinal cord also houses the central nervous system and helps connect your brain to all the nerves in your body. When you crack your back or other joints, there are gasses inside the joint that get released by the movement. Cracking your back helps to stretch out your vertebrae and relieve any buildup of pressure inside the joints. When this happens, it can cause that infamous cracking or popping sound. Cracking your back can help release pressure on your joints and cause a release of endorphins. Endorphins are a type of hormone chemical in the body that can send a rush of satisfaction and relief and can even provide natural pain relief.
When a Cracking Back Becomes a Problem
Whenever you crack your back, knuckles, or other joints in the body, it should not be painful. Cracking can be a problem if it causes you pain. When you crack your back on your own, you can also risk doing so too forcefully and causing an injury. In fact, cracking your own back too forcefully can actually cause you to strain or tear muscles in your neck and back. Cracking your back too often can also stretch out ligaments that support your back, which means they are not as able to provide as much stability as before. You can also risk pinching a nerve near your spinal column by cracking your back too quickly or too forcefully on your own. This can be dangerous because a pinched nerve can lead to pain and other symptoms that restrict your mobility. Do pinched nerves go away on their own? In general, it is best to see a chiropractor to get your back cracked in a safe and controlled environment. Chiropractors are professionals and train on how to adjust your spine and other joints safely and effectively, so they can function at their best.
How a Chiropractor Cracks Your Back
Working with a chiropractor and trained professional can significantly reduce the risks of cracking your back. If you feel like your back needs to crack often, then a chiropractor can help by assessing your spine. In many cases, misalignments in the spine can disrupt healthy functioning and make you uncomfortable. When you don’t have proper posture, it can cause pain, discomfort, and weakened muscles that support your back and neck. A chiropractor can perform spinal manipulations or spinal adjustments to help resolve any misalignments in your spine. Believe it or not, this does not always cause a cracking or popping sound! Your back does not need to make a cracking or popping sound in order for pressure to be effectively released. In some cases, your chiropractor may also recommend stretches and exercises to help strengthen the muscles that support your back. This can help you maintain proper posture for longer periods of time and reduce the frequency of misalignments in your spine.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Millions of Americans visit the chiropractor each year. Neck and back pain treatment are just two reasons why chiropractic care can be incredibly beneficial. Chiropractors use all-natural and hands-on techniques to provide you with many health benefits.
Reduce Back and Neck Pain
A chiropractor can help if you are dealing with back or neck pain. Chiropractic adjustments are gentle and safe for the spine, providing you with longer-lasting relief. Realigning your spine helps ease the tension and pressure on your spine and back.
Treat Musculoskeletal Injuries
Chiropractors can also treat a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries. Whether you were injured in a car accident or while playing sports, a chiropractor can help. Chiropractic care is an excellent alternative to medications for pain management after an injury.
Reduce Inflammation
When your spine and other joints are out of alignment, this can aggravate nearby nerves and soft tissues. Chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation by properly realigning your spine and joints so that your nervous system can function properly.
Manage Chronic Headaches
Chiropractic care is also beneficial for managing chronic headache pain. No matter what type of headache you are experiencing, a chiropractor can help. Your chiropractor will address the root cause of your headaches so that you can experience lasting relief from the pain and discomfort.
Improve Neurological Functioning
By properly aligning your spine, your brain is better able to send signals through your nerves to the rest of your body. Chiropractors help improve your neurological functioning with simple and safe chiropractic adjustments.
If you are looking for a safe way to crack your back and experience longer-lasting pain relief, then visit a chiropractor near you at AICA Orthopedics in Conyers. Our team of chiropractors helps with a wide variety of conditions and injuries so you can get the care you need all in one convenient location.