Why Does “Cracking” My Joints Feel So Good and Other Joint “Cracking” Questions Answered
Cracking My Joints Feels So Good
It’s true, “cracking” your joints can feel great, what’s up with that?
It’s such a common question; we get it at the office almost every day.
Many people have experienced that chiropractic adjustments, aka a chiropractor “cracking” your joints, whether it’s your fingers, back, or neck, can feel great. When a chiropractor adjusts you and you hear your joints’ crack’, that sound is a sign that your joints are moving through a full range of motion. That urge and satisfaction of making sure our joints are moving through a full and non-painful range of motion is important because it not only helps to support the joint’s health but also decreases chances of deterioration in the future.
The question that remains is, ‘why does getting adjusted feel good?’ Research suggests that this may be due to how our body responds to being adjusted. Studies have shown that spinal manipulation (aka having your joints’ cracked’ by a professional) has a positive influence on altering our body’s levels of substances called enzymes.
By increasing the activity of certain protective enzymes, through spinal manipulation, our bodies are in a better position to react to stress. This not only helps to decrease pain, but more importantly, it supports our body’s return to a state of health.
What is that “Popping” Sound When You Adjust Me?
Another question we often hear is, ‘what is causing that sound?’ Studies observing a joint cracking event support the idea of a redistribution of the fluid that naturally exists around our joints. Moreover, this fluid redistribution creates a gas cavity that ‘pops’ when there is enough force applied to the joint to have the joint surfaces gently move apart from another.
Is Cracking My Back Safe
We don’t advise cracking your neck, or excessive pressure or force when cracking your back or another joint to get it to move – this can lead to injury.
Generally, gently or accidentally, cracking your joints is safe, provided it is done correctly. Meaning that, research does not support that cracking your joints causes arthritis.
However, the urge to “crack” your back or other joints, “cracking” the same joint daily or multiple times a day, or not getting complete relief or range of motion is a sign that something is wrong.
In these instances, it’s best to consult with your chiropractor to properly identify what joint is not moving properly and why. In many instances, properly prescribed exercises and stretches (physical therapy) is a great benefit as well as the precision of a skilled chiropractic adjustment to restore the affected joint.
What is Crepitus?
Crepitus is a term that healthcare professionals use to describe the cracking or popping noises that joints make due to non-specific causes such as tendons rubbing, gas escaping, or cartilage breakdown. Most commonly, it refers to the grinding noise caused by deterioration of cartilage in a joint, which can occur due to aging or excessive wear and tear from sports or occupation. This condition results from the rough surface of the bone grinding against itself, often accompanied by pain, swelling, and inflammation. It is sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis.
If the sounds are accompanied by pain and swelling, it is important to seek medical attention. If a diagnosis of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is made, it’s important to know that there are alternatives to relying on medications like ibuprofen or narcotics, undergoing extensive physical therapy and acupuncture, or resorting to painful surgeries such as arthroscopy and arthroplasty.
Advanced treatments, such as Class IV Regenerative Medical Laser Therapy, offers a drug-free and non-surgical approach that is generally considered an effective option. Both studies and my personal clinical experiences suggest that this therapy can reduce pain and inflammation while improving range of motion. It works by using light energy to decrease inflammation, increase blood flow to the joint, and promote cell growth and repair.
Learn more about how we use Regenerative Medical Laser Therapy to treat pain and inflammation associated with Crepitus at Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago.
If you find yourself wanting to “crack” that stubborn joint give us a call at 773.878.7330, we are happy to help.
Further Reading About The Enzymes:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20534317/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25487299/
Further Information About Joint “Popping”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4398549/pdf/pone.0119470.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZNENkkf5Uw
Dr. DeFabio D.C. is a highly regarded chiropractor in Chicago who focuses on helping his patients achieve optimal health and wellness. He takes a holistic approach to care, treating symptoms and addressing underlying issues to promote long-term healing. Dr. DeFabio D.C. is passionate about empowering his patients to take control of their health and live their best lives. You can find him surfing, skateboarding, and volunteering at the Lakeview Food Pantry when he’s not in the office.
