Painting your bedroom, replacing your shower heads, and building a garden bed are all good DIY projects. When it comes to cracking your back to adjust yourself, DIY takes on a whole new meaning: Don’t Injure Yourself!
Many people develop the habit of cracking their own back, often because it feels good and provides a sense of relief. However, this seemingly harmless action can lead to significant issues over time. Dr. Mark warned, “Cracking your back is a bad habit that usually starts young. It sounds cool and feels good, but it becomes habit-forming, and pretty soon, people don’t realize how often they’re doing it to get some relief.”
The Impact on Your Ligaments and Joints/
One of the major concerns with self-cracking is the damage it can cause to the ligaments that hold your bones together. Dr. Mark explained, “People that get in the habit of cracking their backs…those ligaments lose their elasticity over time, and then the joints become more hypermobile or sloppy, and that promotes arthritis faster than people that wouldn’t have otherwise cracked their backs.”
The Expertise of Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractors like Dr. Mark undergo extensive training to perform specific adjustments that target precise areas needing correction. This vastly differs from the generalized popping that occurs when someone cracks their back.
“Chiropractors have hours of training and years of education to perform a chiropractic adjustment, which is much more specific,” said Dr. Mark. These adjustments are designed to provide targeted relief without causing harm or promoting long-term joint issues.
Alternatives to Cracking: Safe and Gentle Adjustments
Dr. Mark offers a range of adjustment techniques to suit individual needs, including those who are hesitant about the cracking sound associated with manual adjustments.
“We use a neuro-mechanical adjusting instrument, which uses impulses to help make the adjustment. There are no cracking or popping noises when we use an adjusting instrument,” Dr. Mark explained. This method is particularly ideal for infants, small children, elderly patients, or anyone uncomfortable with traditional adjustments.
If you frequently crack your own back or experience discomfort, it may be time to consult a professional. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark at Advantage Chiropractic to discuss a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs without the risks associated with self-cracking.
Your spine deserves our expert care!