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Strained or torn muscles in or around your back and neck “If you have ongoing pain or discomfort in your back, or any other concerning symptoms such as tingling in your arms or numbness, see your GP or physiotherapist,” suggests Amandeep.īack cracking with too much force or too fast can have these impacts: So, whether it happens naturally or is forced, is cracking your back bad for you? Fortunately, back cracking is not normally a cause for concern – but if it’s accompanied by pain or swelling, it could indicate arthritis or another medical condition. This can lead to an audible crack or pop. Spinal manipulation techniques apply pressure to move joints beyond their usual range of motion. We might hear a loud popping or cracking sound when we exercise or bend, or when a health professional – such as a chiropractor or physiotherapist – manipulates our bodies to achieve the sensation. Most people’s joints pop and crack from time to time – it’s completely normal. If you find yourself wondering, ‘why does my back crack so much?’, don’t worry. As some gases are released, such as nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide, they make a cracking or popping sound.” This stretching allows synovial fluid within the joint to become more gaseous.
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What happens when you crack your back by stretching or twisting, explains Amandeep, is “you stretch the capsules around the outer edge of the vertebrae, specifically around the facet joints. “But the sound or feeling of your back cracking is actually thought to be related to air bubbles in the synovial fluid within our joints.” When you crack your back, what happens? “People often crack their back by twisting, leaning forward or leaning backwards,” Amandeep continues.
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There is an assumption that hearing the ‘crack’ or popping sound means tension or tightness is released.”īut that tell-tale popping sound accompanying a good spine crack might not mean what you think it means – and no, it’s not your bones cracking! “It can release endorphins, and the sound and feeling can be addictive – hence people want to keep doing it.
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“People like to ‘crack’ their back because it feels good, especially when they feel stiff, and it helps them achieve a sense of satisfaction,” explains GP Dr Amandeep Hansra. Some people relish that satisfying ‘pop’ they hear when they stretch, but why do we do it, is it normal, and is cracking your back bad?
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