Is It Bad to Pop or Adjust Your Own Back?

Many people enjoy the feeling of a good “pop.” You may twist your back in a chair, turn your neck until it cracks, or stretch your shoulders after sitting for a long time. Sometimes the movement creates a satisfying release and leaves you feeling less stiff.

But is it safe to adjust yourself?

The answer depends on how often you are doing it, how much force you are using, and whether you are repeatedly trying to pop the same area.

Is It Okay to Get Some Pops During Range of Motion?

In many cases, yes.

Gentle movements through a comfortable range of motion can help with joint mobility, circulation, and muscle function.

…But if done occasionally

When Does Self-Popping Become a Problem?

The concern is usually not an occasional pop. Problems may arise when someone repeatedly uses force, momentum, or extreme movement to make the same joint crack throughout the day.

For example, you may notice that your neck feels tight, so you twist it until it pops. A short time later, the tightness returns, and you feel the urge to pop it again. The popping may provide a brief sensation of relief, but it may not address the reason the area feels tight in the first place.

Repeatedly cracking the same joint throughout the day may provide too much motion to the joint. This can lead to instability, decreased muscle strength and control, and increased pain. Consistent stretching or forcing movement might not be the best solution.

What Is the Difference Between Self-Popping and a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a specific, controlled treatment performed after evaluating the patient’s symptoms, movement, joint function, and overall condition.

A chiropractor can determine whether a joint appears restricted, whether another area is compensating, and whether an adjustment is appropriate. Treatment may also include muscle work, rehabilitative exercises, mobility training, or other therapies depending on the patient’s needs.

Are you having repeated pain that isn't getting better? Give us a call today! At Tennessee Back Pain Center, we look beyond the area that hurts to help identify why the problem may be occurring. Your care may include chiropractic adjustments, muscle work, mobility exercises, strengthening, and movement-based rehabilitation to help you move better, feel better, and get back to the activities you enjoy.