Dear Dr. Bartz: Is Self Adjusting Bad For You?

This is one of the most common things I see going on in younger and younger adults. The act of “cracking” your own neck or back can give temporary relief but can also create more health problems down the road.

What’s The Problem?

 The problem with self-adjusting is that it creates instability in the spine by overstretching the ligaments tat hold our joints together. Ligaments are not like tendons (the structures that bind muscle to bone). Ligaments simply do not have the same elastic capabilities as tendons so repeated overstretching (as in self adjusting) is like stretching a rubber band over and over until it can no longer retain its original shape. This results in a hypermobile joint which actually moves too much and wears down much more quickly. Greatly increasing the chance of compressed nerves and irreversible degenerative changes, like arthritis, later in life.

But it Feels Good.

Your darn right it does! After a joint gets adjusted it sets off a cascade effect of helpful healing chemicals that will dull pain, decrease inflammation, and relax muscles. Only a chiropractor knows which vertebrae need adjusting and, more importantly, which ones don’t.

Now That I Have Started How Do I Stop?

Most people who adjust themselves do it to relieve neck pain or tension in the low back. Spinal muscles tighten up because they are weak and get burned out. The best way to break the habit is to make a habit of strengthening your neck and low back with spinal exercises.