A physician answers a question about cracking your back.

1. Why Is Cracking Your Back Bad For You
2. Is Cracking Your Neck And Back Bad For You

Why Is Cracking Your Back Bad For You

Three Parts: Cracking joints (also called joint cavitations) often feels good because it can release tension and increase the range of motion. Cracking or releasing the spinal joints of your back is usually safe if done in a controlled manner and within the normal planes of motion of the spine. Rotation and extension of the spine are the movements that usually create the cracking sounds of the small spinal facet joints. However, seeing a joint specialist such as a chiropractor or osteopath is always a good idea if you have an underlying spinal issue.

Stretch your back muscles first. Muscle tension in your back is often relieved with simple stretches without the spinal joints making cracking or popping sounds.

Too much joint cracking may damage the joint tissues and accelerate a type of arthritis known as osteoarthritis (the wear and tear type). As such, aim for a good muscle stretch to start with and don't focus too hard on trying to achieve any cracking sounds. Lay on your back (supine) on an even surface that has some padding (such as carpet or a yoga mat) so your spine doesn't get bruised. Bring both knees up to your chest with your arms until you feel some mild-to-moderate stretching within your back muscles and hold for about 30 seconds.

Do this simple stretch three to five times daily depending on the degree of tension in your back. Don't hold your breath. Instead, you should breathe deeply and exhale as you relax into the stretch. You may have to slowly rock forward and backward in this position to get a better muscle stretch, but always do so in a controlled, gentle fashion.

Never aggressively bounce or force motion into your spine or other joints as this could cause injury. Stretch your back by elongating your spine.

Another type of stretch can be done while on your knees and facing the floor (prone), which is similar to a yoga position known as the. Again, the goal of this position is to stretch the back muscles and the spine, but it may not lead to any cracking sounds if you avoid twisting or extending your back. Kneel on a padded surface with your buttocks resting on the soles of your feet. Then bend forward at the waist, walking your fingers forward as far as you can go while trying to touch your nose to the floor.

Is Cracking Your Neck And Back Bad For You

Hold this stretch for a.