Manipulation and Cracking the Back

I am asked more about this subject professionally than probably any other.

When you pop or crack the back, you stretch the joint capsule surrounding the facets. The synovial fluid present in the facet joints acts as a lubricant. Small cavities of partial vacuum form in the fluid (pockets of air). The popping noise you hear is the collapse of these cavities (cavitation) and the release of gas as a result of the sudden increase in space of the facet joint. The stretch of the joint capsule fires off the nerve endings to the capsule, and which floods the area with a pain inhibition response.

The important part of that exhaustive explanation is this: you stretch the joint capsule surrounding the facets.

If this is done repeatedly, you will stretch out the capsule to such a degree that it will lose much of its stability. You will then move more at those segments you crack so often. THIS, over time, can lead to over-use of those areas and eventually arthritis.

When a professional manipulates the spine, he or she should be doing so at a segment that is actually tight. This frees up movement at that segment, to ultimately place less stress on the areas you are cracking.

If you are self-manipulating, you are loosening up the areas of your spine which move too much already. The pain inhibition response you get from this can be addictive. A good alternative is to try stabilization exercises to help re-teach your muscles how to stiffen the spine during movement. See the article on Making Your Back Muscles and Abdominals Work for You for more information.

Steve Daisey MPT, CSCS

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The exercises presented in these articles pose risks if performed incorrectly or if performed by persons who may be inappropriate for them. They are provided for informational purposes only and to provide education and insight into a particular interest. Daisey Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Inc. does not recommend performing them without a complete history and examination as well as professional instruction. Daisey Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine assumes no liability for any injury that may occur by attempting the exercises presented here.