Are You Doing Long-Term Damage by Cracking Your Knuckles?

Joint pain and other musculoskeletal health conditions are never pleasant and are always a cause for concern. At Arne Wellness Center, our team of chiropractors in Littleton, we are here to help you live comfortably with our team’s holistic approach to pain relief. Popping your joints is a short-term option for relief, but meeting with Littleton chiropractors is a long-term solution. Cracking your knuckles is a habit many of us have, our team is here to let you know about any damage your body may be taking because of it.

A closeup of an outstretched hand in a flower patch

Your Knuckles Will Be Fine

Whether it is a nervous tick or a habit born from the satisfaction of the popping sound and feeling, cracking your knuckles is not something you have to remove from your life. The limited studies conducted on popping hand joints have shown no evidence linking the habit to arthritis. From everything we understand thus far, cracking your knuckles is harmless.

Your Back Is Another Story

Cracking your knuckles isn’t the only joint-popping habit many of us are addicted to. Some people make a show of having their popping as their entire body emulates bubble wrap. Routinely cracking your back, unlike your knuckles, can cause a multitude of issues.

The back of a woman wearing a white tank top
A man looking out over the ocean

The Risks

Actively manipulating your back every day, can injure the blood vessels that run vertically across your spine. Injuring these blood vessels could possibly lead to serious complications such as blood clotting and brain injuries. Likewise, if you quickly crack your back with too much force, you could pinch a nerve and limit your mobility. Forcefully popping your back can also strain or tear muscles throughout your body, ranging from your neck to your posterior. Over time, cracking your spin can stretch your ligaments and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis and instability.

How Arne Chiropractic Can Help

If you are concerned about any issues manifesting around your spine — as a result of excessive cracking or not — then you should schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. Littleton is home to our professionals at Arne Wellness Center. We tailor our care specifically for you with diversified physiotherapy procedures. Along with traditional spinal realignments, we also conduct ultrasound therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, exercise therapy, and more in combination with holistic approaches to pain relief.

Woman stretching her arms up in a sunflower field

Popping your knuckles should not be a concern, but if this habit extends to your back then a red flag may be raised. Don’t let a simple tick lead to long-term health consequences. Get in touch with Dr. Robert Arne and his dedicated team at Arne Wellness Center today. If you notice any pain or harmful symptoms, schedule an appointment with our team to get a personalized holistic solution to your chiropractic back problems!