We’ve all done it. A big twist, a satisfying pop, and for a moment — relief.
But is cracking your own back actually good for you… or are you doing more harm than good?
Let’s break it down.
What’s That Popping Sound?
When you crack your back (or neck, or knuckles), you're hearing gas bubbles releasing inside the joint space. This process is called cavitation, and it’s completely normal.
But just because it sounds like something important happened doesn’t mean your body functionally changed.
The Problem with Self-Cracking
Cracking your own back might feel good temporarily, but:
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You’re not controlling which joints are moving — the joints that crack are often the ones that already move too much.
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You could be reinforcing instability if you're repeatedly manipulating the same area.
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It doesn’t address the underlying cause of your tightness, stiffness, or discomfort.
Over time, that quick fix can become a habit — and a substitute for real care.
Why Do We Feel Better After?
That momentary relief is mostly neurological. The sensation of a pop stimulates joint receptors, which can briefly reduce your perception of tension or pain.
In other words, you’re pressing snooze on your body’s alarm — not finding out why the alarm went off in the first place.
What Makes a Professional Adjustment Different?
A chiropractor’s job isn’t just to crack your back.
A proper spinal adjustment is targeted, specific, and clinically guided. We assess joint movement, muscular function, and compensatory patterns to adjust the right joint in the right way at the right time.
At Fortify Chiropractic in Lubbock, adjustments are one piece of the puzzle. We also use soft tissue techniques and movement-based rehab to help patients build real, lasting improvement.
When Should You Stop DIY and See a Pro?
If you’re:
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Cracking your back every day (or multiple times a day)
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Still feeling tight or unstable afterward
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Experiencing pain, numbness, or tingling
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Struggling with limited range of motion
...it might be time to stop guessing and start addressing the real issue.
A Personal Note
I’ve seen plenty of patients who came in after months or years of self-cracking — frustrated that nothing ever stuck. I understand the temptation. Even after rehabbing my own disc herniation, my back still tightens up from time to time. But the difference-maker wasn’t learning how to crack it better — it was figuring out why it kept happening and treating that.
Final Takeaway
Cracking your own back isn’t inherently harmful. But it’s not a long-term solution, and it won’t resolve deeper movement issues, instability, or pain.
If you're ready for care that looks deeper and aims higher, Fortify Chiropractic is here to help.
Dr. David Farley
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