[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Many people try to find relief from pain by cracking their joints at home. It may seem harmless, and some people have been performing self-cracking (also known as self-manipulation) since they were young and find the habit hard to break. Unfortunately, DIY chiropractic adjustment can lead to hypermobility issues, imbalances in the body, blood clots, and more.
The Risks of Self Back Cracking
Many people with joint hypermobility experience chronic pain, cognitive problems, and stiffness in the joints and muscles. Hypermobility is often caused by those who crack their own back instead of seeking the help of a professional. Ultimately, self-cracking leads to increased physical problems and Over Manipulation Syndrome (OMS). OMS has been known to cause:
- Memory problems
- Insomnia
- Tinnitus
- Blurred vision
- Paresthesia in upper extremities
- TMJ pain
Self Cracking Provides Temporary Relief
If you have joint pain, it means that your body’s nerves are telling you that something is wrong. Your first reaction to the discomfort might be to self-crack your spine. Self-manipulation only provides temporary relief because it activates nerve fibers that shut down the body’s pain receptors, so you no longer feel pain. You mistakenly believe that you have done something beneficial and achieved relief – but that is far from the truth.
In short, you are experiencing pain because there is a problem. Self-cracking does not cure the problem, and in some cases, your body might lose mobility and become unstable if you continue to mask the problem by performing your own spinal adjustments.
Other Issues Caused by Self Manipulation
Self-manipulation might temporarily feel better, but in time you can start to suffer from the following:
- Migraines or frequent headaches
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Pain in the neck, back or shoulders
- Tenderness at the base of the skull, above the neck or right behind the ears
- Tingling or burning in the fingers and toes
- Inability to rotate the head from side to side
- Changes or increased visual sensitivity
- A loss in your joints’ range of motion.
- Blood clots due to tears in arterial arteries
Why Seek Chiropractic Adjustment?
If you have spent your life with joint hypermobility, you may have started to perform DIY chiropractic adjustments to ease your discomfort. However, over time you might have done far more harm than good to your body, and your relief may be short-lived.
Ideally, you should always see a professional chiropractor that knows how the body operates and how the adjustment affects pain points instead of cracking your own back at home. We understand that it can be hard to break the habit of cracking your own back at home. If you feel the urge to crack your back, try doing a few stretches instead, this will help lubricate the joints and provide some pain relief.
If you are suffering from hypermobility and have been self-cracking to combat your pain, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at Harlan Chiropractic today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vcex_button url=”https://drchrisharlan.com/contact-us/request-appointment/” size=”medium” align=”center”]Click Here to Schedule Your Appointment[/vcex_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]