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01/12/2020 10:02
WHAT IS THE CRACK THAT YOU HEAR?
There is fluid in the joints that help the bones and tissue to move together smoothly. This fluid contains oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
When the joint capsule is stretched, gas is rapidly released in the form of bubbles, which make the cracking sound that we hear.
IS NECK CRACKING SAFE? SHOULD I CRACK MY OWN NECK?
Yes neck cracking is safe
If you can crack your neck by merely turning your head, you likely aren’t causing yourself any damage by doing this occasionally. However, if you are forcing your neck to pop or crack suddenly you probably aren’t doing yourself any good.
There is potential here to stretch ligaments, creating instability in the joint mechanics.
If you feel the need to crack your own neck due to a build up of tension. Leave the neck cracking to the professionals.
They are trained at finding the dysfunctional joints or muscles that aren’t moving well
When the professional knows what they are doing it is a normal and very common practice. If the practitioner who is to perform the adjustment, they will only do so if it is necessary and if it can be done under the correct conditions eg. the patient is calm and relaxed.
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?
There are plenty of gentle alternatives. A sports chiropractors will also use a lot of soft tissue techniques you can find and read about those here…
Joint cracking is not the only thing to expect when you come to Auckland Health and Performance.
We also use Dry Needling, Gratson or Scraping techniques, Trigger Point Cupping Active Release Techniques and exercise to help release joint and muscle tension.
SHOULD I CRACK MY OWN KNUCKLES? DOES IT CREATE ARTHRITIS?
There has been no evidence that being able to crack your knuckles causes any harm or long-term issues such as arthritis. While it is just a sound there are no problems.
If when cracking knuckles or other joints, if it becomes painful or uncomfortable there could be an issue or a pre-existing condition that can become aggravated through the cracking.
IS CLICKING MY OWN JOINTS THE SAME AS WHAT A PROFESSIONAL DOES?
Clicking a joint and releasing the gasses is not the same as an adjustment. A chiropractor for example can single out exactly what is out of alignment or what is not moving correctly. This is done through their examination. They purely focus on what is not moving and specifically and accurately adjust that joint.
MY KNEES CLICK, IS THAT DANGEROUS?
Same as the clicking of knuckles, a good rule of thumb is that if there is no pain or swelling then it is completely normal and ok. If there is discomfort, pain, swelling or instability then there is something else going on and it needs to be seen to by us at Auckland Health and Performance
Clicking in joints is a normal bodily function and is nothing to be feared.
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