Back Pain and Sciatica Pain Relief

There’s something incredibly satisfying about cracking your knuckles.

I admit it.  While I’m writing this, I feel strangely compelled to stop typing and crack them – just to hear that satisfying crack.

But is the old wives tale true?  Is there something truly damaging about cracking your joints?

One of our patients just asked us this question:

I’ve heard that cracking your knuckles is an unhealthy habit, but what about cracking your back?  It feels great when I crack my own back or when someone else walks on my back.  How can it be bad for me?

Technically, cracking (the act of stretching your bones apart so that they release bubbles of nitrogen and dioxide – making the ‘cracking’ sound) isn’t bad.  But cracking your back, or any joints for that matter, on a regular basis can be bad.

The Problem With Cracking Your Own Back

When bones are routinely stretched apart, the space between the joints widens, and an air bubble forms in the synovial fluid. The air bubble bursts and makes the cracking sound.

The problem is that our joints are not designed to be repeatedly stretched. The more we stretch them, the less stable they become.  This can lead to injuries such as dislocated fingers, severe back pain and sciatica.

On our own, we can’t crack all of the bones in our spine, especially the ones that are locked up or not moving properly.  So, each time we crack our own back we’re stretching the joints above and below the injured joint.

This causes those joints to become unstable.  Some of them become hyper-mobile (moving too much) and some are left locked up or hypo-mobile (not moving enough).

When joints become unstable, injuries result:

Back Pain

Joints that are locked up or fixated begin to slowly deteriorate.  If left untreated, they can cause severe back pain.  The joints in your back are made up of vertebra (bones) and discs (the cushions between each of the bones).  Coming out of each joint are the nerves of your spinal cord that run all throughout your body.  When your vertebra are locked up they can put pressure on your nerves, causing back pain.

Sciatica Pain

Sciatica pain refers to an irritation to the sciatic nerve.  This nerve runs from your lower back down through your buttocks and down the back of both legs.  Nerve irritation at any point along the sciatic nerve path can cause sciatica pain.

Sciatica pain relief involves identifying which bones or joints are misaligned or causing irritation to the sciatic nerve and removing the irritation.

Back Pain and Sciatica Pain Relief Through Chiropractic

Chiropractic care is gentle and very effective in treating back pain and providing sciatica pain relief.  Certified chiropractors are experienced in gently manipulating the back to promote healing in the joints of the spine.  This is done through chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractic adjustments are precise, focused forces applied to your joints that restore proper movement and function, relieve stress and relax the joints – promoting healing.

Prior to any treatment, our Kansas City Chiropractors perform a thorough exam and X-rays to determine the source of your muscle tension, back pain or sciatica pain.  Then, we can apply the most effective techniques to eliminate your pain and restore proper joint and nerve function.

The Problem With Having Uncle Jim Crack Your Back

When someone else cracks you back, you are at risk for injury.  Uncle Jim can cause a lot more damage than good to your spine and joints.

Having someone walk on your back can become a viscous cycle.  Too much movement in your joints makes your muscles work harder to keep your joints stable.  This makes your muscles feel tighter and makes you feel like you need your back cracked again.

Bottom line: When you crack your back to get rid of muscle tension, you’re actually setting yourself up for more muscle tension.

Alternatives to Cracking Your Own Back for Sciatica Pain Relief

If you’re not able to get in to see one of our chiropractors right away, we suggest simple stretches in the shower.  After about 5 minutes in the shower, bend forward until you feel a gentle stretch in your back, then bend from side to side.  Do not bounce, and only bend until you feel a gentle stretch.

After your shower, try these stretches on your bed.

Our experienced chiropractors specialize in back pain and sciatica pain relief through effective, non-invasive chiropractic treatment.  We offer care 7 days a week and are in-network with every insurance company in the Kansas City area.  Schedule an appointment online today!