Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Crack Your Own Back
Have you ever stood up after you got out of bed in the morning, stretched your arms, and then turned side to side to crack your back?
If so, you’re probably not alone. But that doesn’t mean it’s a habit you should continue with.
As your partner in spinal health, we want your back to be happy, healthy, and free of chronic issues like pain. But adjusting your own spine is something you should leave to us-and here’s why.
Your spine is complex. In fact, it’s so complex that chiropractors undergo thousands of hours of training to be able to provide you with the care that your body needs. The spine is fragile, and let’s face it, you only get one!
You could damage your nerves. Between each of your 33 spinal bones pass a network of nerves that help your brain communicate with the rest of your body. Imagine letting an untrained friend, or even yourself, move your bones forcefully without proper training or knowledge-it could wreak havoc on your nervous system or even cause damage.
You’re very likely not adjusting the joint or area that needs it. When an area of the spine is not moving or functioning properly, your body will compensate by moving the areas above and below it TOO much. “Cracking” your own back essentially worsens your situation, leaving the stuck area stuck, and creating hypermobility in other areas. When a chiropractor examines your spine and body, the adjustment the provide is very specific in it’s location and direction to correct the problem. Sometimes (very often, in fact), the area that hurts isn’t actually the area where the problem lies. So, if you twist to crack your spine because your lower back hurts, the issue could be somewhere else, which means you’re doing more harm than good.
If you’re dealing with back pain, let us help. Reduce your risk of limited mobility, muscle tears, injury, and more by seeing a trained professional for your chiropractic care instead of going the do-it-yourself route.
We look forward to getting to know you and welcoming you into the practice.