Help me. I crack everything...as in cracking my knuckles, wrists, ankles, back. How do I stop?

Question

I know it's bad. And sometimes it does hurt, but it's almost like I feel a sort of relief afterward. Is this a psychological thing? Is it even all that bad? Will I get arthritis? I drink TONS of milk. I just dont like that I pop/crack all the time. It's annoying.

Answer 1

it might be psychological. but dont fret. i had the same problem. just stop, dont crack anything, as much as u want to...dont let urself! the first evening when i stopped was really bad i just wanted to crack everything...but after that i would catch myself cracking a wrist or two and as the weeks go on, i cracked less and less. i do occassionally, but not like before...i used to crack so much it hurt, thne i would crack my wrists/ankles some more....hope this helps

Answer 2

I've been told that despite what people say, popping and cracking doesn't really cause any harm. But for the record, this "habit" would fall under the same category as biting your nails, or picking scabs....kind of an OCD thing, but without anything else present, like having to pop or something bad will happen, then it's not a true form of OCD. Anxiety and stress can cause these types of urges to bite, pick, pop...

Tourette syndrome is a tic disorder...(one that does not necessarily encompass cursing) and what you described about feeling relief after your action is exactly what follows when a person releases their urge to tic. For example, if a person with TS feel like they must blink over and over again...well holding off the urge to do it only makes the urge grow stronger...until they cannot supress it any longer, and then they perform the tic and get a great sense of relief for a few moments. But with TS, you not only have to have movement tics, but you have to have at least one vocal tic (coughing, gulping, etc) for an official diagnosis....so maybe what your experiencing is a tic...but not a tic as in a symptom of having TS. Just a thought.

Answer 3

It's a psychological addiction or habit. You break it the same you do other habits. Pay attention to what you are doing all the time. When you catch yourself doing it, then concsiously make the decision to stop then stop. Over time you will pop you knuckles less often. I still catch myself starting to pop my knuckles even though it's been years since I "quit" the habit. It's still a habit. I'm just better at catching it and stopping. Good luck!

Also, there is a mental disorder that causes this type of behavior. I doubt this in your case, but it is a possibility. If you go through some type of withdrawal from stopping the habit, then you should consult a professional for help.

Answer 4

I have the same problem and im 13 and now if i dont do it it hurts my joints so really i dont know how to stop it either and yes it gives you arthritis my uncle is a doctor of like bones and stuff.

Answer 5

Cracking your joints doesnt hurt you. The 'pop' you hear is just the air between the joints being released suddenly. Its just a nervous thing that alot of people do, including myself, that won't hurt you in any way.

Answer 6

Cracking your nuckles is not good for you, has something to do with fluid going into your bone tissue. Maybe you crack cuz your on crack?

Answer 7

Straight jacket.