Many people crack their own backs, enjoying the relief it can bring from spinal stiffness, as well as that satisfying popping sound. However, even though cracking your own back can be temporarily gratifying, it can actually do more harm than good, as spinal adjustments should always be left to a chiropractor. Here are a few potential dangers that come with cracking your back yourself.

What Can Happen if You Crack Your Back Yourself?

1. Stroke

Vertebral arteries are located in the back of the neck. When a person cracks their back or neck themselves, they likely aren't aware of the amount of pressure they're using, which can make it all too easy to tear one of these arteries. This can result in a stroke because it disrupts crucial blood supply to the brain. In severe cases, it can even cause death. Avoid these outcomes by seeing a chiropractor for adjustments.

2. Joint Instability

Routinely cracking one's own back can make the joints in the back and neck less stable. As they lose stability, they start to loosen, a condition called hypermobility. Hypermobile joints are more prone to injury because they are less secure, so there is an increased risk of serious, long-term damage.

3. Muscle Injury

There are 40 muscles in the back, and any one of them can be injured by self-cracking. Too much cracking force most commonly causes strains and tears. Not only are issues like these painful and life-limiting, but they can also require the services of a chiropractor to properly remedy. In extreme cases, you might need back surgery.

4. Stretched Ligaments

Ligaments are the tissues that attach bones to one another. They need a certain amount of rigidity to keep bones properly aligned and securely in place. Repeated, forceful self-cracking can stretch or tear ligaments, and damaged ligaments produce a loss of flexibility in the area. You will experience more stiffness when doing simple movements like twisting or bending over.

Don't be burdened with one of these consequences. You can let a chiropractor perform the needed adjustments. Back to Health Chiropractic has been serving the Florence, KY, area since 1995. They offer comprehensive chiropractic care for back and neck pain, herniated discs, shoulder and knee issues, and pregnancy. Call (859) 746-2222 to make an appointment or visit their website to explore their services.