Cracking Back/Neck?

Question

Does anyone here crack there back/neck, as you would crack your knuckles?
what is really happening when you 'crack'?
Can this damage me?

Answer 1

This is really a sound of nitrogen gas release from your joints, it is actually two sounds that are close together so they sound as one. Cracking your joints can cause damage if you do it too forcefully or too often.
On a side note, you could also go to an osteopathinc physician, they do manipulations too and have actually been around longer than chiropractors.

Answer 2

I crack my neck...don't let anyone else crack your neck or back, unless they're a chiropractor.
You've basically got pockets of nitrogen in between your joints that act as a cushion for the joints..when you crack the joint, it releases the nitrogen from between the joints with a 'pop'.

Answer 3

Yes, I do it, and have been doing it for about 40 years.
No, it can't damage you unless you strain or overstretch a muscle or tendon.
The crack is produced by a cavitation, or popping bubble effect, happening within the sinovial fluid that lubricates the joint.

Answer 4

It might if you do it a lot. Some people say this can cause back problems or authorities. But all it does is make the bones move a slight bit out of place.

Answer 5

I do it alllllllllllll the time, I think it feels reallllllllllllllllly good. Unfortunately it is extremely bad for you. When you get older it will take affect and you will have back and neck problems and if you do it too much(like me) you could hurt yourself and have it hurt for the rest of your life. Even though it can badly hurt you I do it anyways.

Answer 6

i crack my neck...ive heard many theories on what is really happening but one ive heard is that its some sort of 'air' pocket that is released when u crack it making hte noise...