Most people have had experienced the sound and sensation of “cracking” or “popping.” Whether you have ever cracked your knuckles or popped your back, you can recognize that sound. But do you know what that sound actually is and what it means? Some people crack or pop their back on purpose, while others experience a cracking back with certain movements, like stretching. You might find yourself asking whether or not it’s bad that your back cracks when you stretch. Many people also associate going to the chiropractor with getting your back cracked or popped. You might be surprised to learn about the difference between cracking your back and chiropractic adjustments. Visit your chiropractor in Conyers to experience safer and longer-lasting effects of that elusive cracking sound.
Reasons Why Cracking Your Back Makes a Sound
Some people think that the cracking sound your back makes when you twist, turn, or stretch a certain way is the sound of bones rubbing together. That is actually a common misunderstanding! In fact, that cracking sound is actually the release of gas bubbles in your joints. The vertebrae in your spine are joints, and as they move, gases can build up. Certain movements or shifts in the spine can help release those gases, which can sometimes make a cracking or popping sound.
There are many cases where cracking or popping your own joints, like the vertebrae in your spine or the knuckles in your fingers, can be completely harmless. However, there are times when the cracking noise is actually doing you more harm than good. Cracking your own back may seem like it provides you with relief, but it doesn’t actually help produce lasting results. That is best left up to the professionals, like your chiropractor in Conyers.
Difference Between Back Cracking and Chiropractic Adjustments
Cracking your own back might provide you with a temporary release, but it won’t address the underlying issue that is causing you pain or discomfort. When pressure builds up on the joints, cracking or popping them is a way to help relieve that pressure. In order to skip having to address the same discomfort over and over, you can visit a chiropractor and receive chiropractic adjustments that address larger concerns. Chiropractic adjustments help alleviate pressure and tension built up in the body and around the joints. The spine is a very complex bundle of joints and nerves, so you want to be careful and trust the care of your spine to the very best.
When to Visit a Chiropractor Instead of Cracking Your Back
There are many reasons why you might visit a chiropractor, especially if you are looking for long-term relief for back pain and discomfort. If you notice that your back cracks when you stretch, that could be a sign that you have a misalignment in your spine. Your chiropractor can help by performing a physical examination of your spine and determining whether all the vertebrae are properly aligned and functioning. If a vertebra is even slightly out of place, it can cause disruptions to your nervous system and the healthy functioning elsewhere in your body. Talk to your chiropractor about what areas of the body you are most likely to crack or pop on your own, so they can get a sense of where you are experiencing issues. Chiropractors can use chiropractic adjustments and other chiropractic techniques to help relieve tension and pressure on the spine for the long term. You can learn more about is cracking my neck is bad for me and how to do it properly.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Help with Back Issues
You might be surprised to know that chiropractic adjustments don’t always make sounds! In fact, cracking and popping sounds don’t have to occur for true and lasting healing to begin. Chiropractors use gentle and safe techniques like manual therapy and chiropractic adjustments that help realign your spine. These chiropractic adjustments not only support the joints that make up your spine; they can also help retrain the muscles and soft tissues that help offer stability and support to your back and neck. Going to a chiropractor isn’t just about getting quick pain relief and going about your day. Instead, chiropractors work with you to address the root cause of your pain and discomfort so you can experience lasting relief. This includes a holistic and all-natural approach to the health and well-being of your whole body and how it functions.
Visit your chiropractor in Conyers at AICA Orthopedics to learn more about the long-lasting benefits of chiropractic adjustments and leave the back cracking to the professionals!