BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Wellness Back cracking anyone?

I was wondering if anyone had any views or tips on the value of back cracking, having just been in a car accident in February, I often feel the need to have it done, but I wonder if it will even help.

Wendy

Wendy, I have lived with a back injury for almost 25 years and have found back cracking to be very good. I usually do it in a straight back chair and turn gently to each side until the it pops...sometimes 2 or 3 times. I have found that there are times when I can not "pop" my back or neck, and that usually indicates that I have some inflamation in the joints. Some kind of pain reliever or anti-inflammatory (like tylenol) for a few days helps. I think that popping is really good to keep things aligned. I had to see a chiropractor for almost a year to learn how to take care of myself with heat and manipulation to avoid surgery. I am still glad that I went that route! A person is never the same after surgery, but many doctors think that is the only way to deal with a problem that lingers. I believe a person will be much better off learning how to deal with an injury, if the pain can be managed, rather than being too aggressive on treatments.
Although chiropractors get a bad rap sometimes, they really can help a person get their body back in alignment. Look at yourself in the mirror without too much clothing. Look to see if your shoulders are even, if your head if tilted, if you lean one way. When you have pain, you tend to favor the area (unknowingly) which causes your body to draw up to protect the area. This causes misalignment, when in turn causes muscle spasms, which then causes pain in the bones and joints. I don't know if you have experienced any of these things since your accident, but I did and it took many doctors before I learned these simple steps that I could do...You know the reason a "pop" happens is because gas has built up between the bones and is released when flexed? It does not cause arthritis, as we were told as kids when popping our knuckles. Usually it means that a person might already have arthritis or be prone to arthritis, but it is very possible to help control effects through exercise (as simply as stretching...which can be like back popping). I hope this makes you feel better. I still do most everything that I did 25 years ago, gardening, biking, swimming, etc...just sometimes I have to pamper myself if I overdo it. Good Luck!

Hi Wendy and Babyquaker!

Babyquaker, thanks so much for posting! You've taught me somethings and I'm glad you stopped in to help Wendy. I actually don't have a lot of clinical experience with backpopping. I am a dancer and so friends of mine in my company often crack each others' backs and I know I am constantly stretching, which tends to "pop" my neck and back. I know that I always feel relieved from it and have not to this date experienced anything ill from it.

Thanks again Babyquaker for your informative post! I hope it has helped Wendy!

Take care u 2!

Leah :music:

Hi, Leah (and Wendy)! I'm glad to hear from you, Leah, and hope the info I gave does help you, Wendy. It's cool that you are a dancer...I know stretching is really a great way to keep you limber. I think it is also the best way to crack or "pop" joints. I guess that is what Wendy was talking about. I'm glad I had some new info for you, Leah. I don't have any clinical experience either, just personal experience. It's amazing what you can pick up being around doctors who treat disabilities. u take care 2!

Quacker and Leah, Thank you both for affirming my beliefs. Not that I really needed it but its always nice to hear that someone else does it too.
I do know that I favor my left arm, have ever since I first pulled my traps in winter of 01. My masuesse, Stephanie, has been incredibly helpful, I repeat her stretches and manuvers at home including taking nearly intolerable hot showers before bed and perhaps some ibuprofen on really bad days.
Sometimes tho, it just doesn't feel like enough. But I also know that I will never be the same person that was before and must least best how to get 'there'

x0x Wendy

Wendy, although massage DOES feel good, it doesn't really cure the problem unless there are some physical modifications that are done as well. Have you had physical therapy or been seen by a chiropractor? Both of those really helped me. Some things hurt more than helped, however, like traction. I could hardly bend over after those treatments! Hot packs and massage felt good but I just wasn't getting any better until I started seeing a chiropractor (which was almost a year after I was injured). It took quite a few months of seeing him before I started noticing any difference.
I was injured at work and my employers' workman's comp insurance wanted me to just have surgery. They did not think I was seeing a REAL doctor. The state board disagreed with them and I saw him until 2 things happend. I got well enough (or as well as I was going to get) to be able to do the manipulations myself and I learned that I had to live with it.
You are right about never being the same person - Physically - but you will always be the same person emotionally and spiritually. It is a hard adjustment though to accept the fact that your body has changed, or rather BEEN changed because of an accident. You sound like you are already ahead of me since you realize that you've got to accept the pain and learn how to live with it. I wish you luck in finding the best way to handle your pain. Just don't give up, but you might need to occasionally use something more than ibuprofen.
Best wishes! Trish...AKA ..babyquacker because I found this site while researching Mallards. I had a mama duck nesting in my flower bed and I was anticipating the babies. I used to talk "quackers" with the mama when I put corn and water out for her. She would actually come to me for food when I quacked for her. It was great!
Again, I wish you luck in your pain management. I'm here if you have any questions. You are NOT alone.