![]() ![]() See Chiropractic Adjustment When Back Cracking Warrants Medical Attention Manual manipulation, also called spinal adjustments, is commonly provided by chiropractors and osteopathic physicians. Rockville, MD Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Back Pain II. Medical literature suggests that manual manipulation of the facet joints can contribute to decreased stiffness, improved range of motion, and a temporary reduction in pain.Ģ Furlan A, Tazdi F, Tsertsvadze A, et al. These adjustments may create a cracking sound. Manual manipulation, a common method of back and neck pain relief, may focus on adjusting the facet joints to provide a healing environment and reduce pain. More research is needed to identify any long-term benefits of back cracking. Back Cracking and Back Pain ReliefĬracking the facet joints is known to provide temporary relief from low back stiffness or joint pressure. As a general rule, cracking the spinal joints does not cause pain or necessitate medical attention. The effects of joint cracking likely vary due to individual differences in overall muscle and joint function. The exact mechanics of facet joint cracking and its possible effects are not fully understood. Forcing the joint to crack again as it resets is not advised, as doing so can push the joint past its comfortable range and strain the surrounding ligaments. It is thought that during this refractory period, the joint needs to “reset,” or return to its previous position and pressure. Cartilage may wear down from overuse and/or age, causing the bones of the joint to rub together and produce a grinding sensation and a sound similar to a crack or pop.Īfter a joint is cracked, it can take about 20 minutes for it to be able to crack again. Deteriorated cartilage surrounding a spinal joint can cause popping, cracking, or grinding. When a tight or tense ligament is pulled across a surface of bone, cartilage, or another tendon or ligament, it can create a snapping noise similar to a joint crack or pop. Real-time visualization of joint cavitation. One theory on crepitus suggests that air pressure within the joint is suddenly altered when the joint is cracked, resulting in the formation or collapse of an air cavity in the synovial fluid that produces a popping sound.ġ Kawchuk GN, Fryer J, Jaremko JL, Zeng H, Rowe L, Thompson R. Surrounding each facet joint is a capsule of liquid, called synovial fluid, that lubricates the joints and allows for smooth, comfortable movements. There are three primary theories about why facet joints crack, pop, or grind: ![]() The mechanisms that cause joints to crack or grind can differ from person to person. There is no consensus on what causes joints to crack or on the potential long-term effects of frequent back cracking. ![]()
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