Back cracking

[FWK]

Hi guys,

History: when I was young I alwasy had a hunchback, but learned how to straighten it as i grew up...all fine now.

I started going to teh gym at the age of 19, my back is much better, but you see I alwasy have to crack it say every 15 min (more like in the middle of teh spine) I tend to straighten myself and it cracks (same feeling when you crack your knuckles, like the cartilage broke or something).

I can't usually sleep on my Back because I will wake up with pain/discomfort.
I also always crack my knuckles and arm joints and lately my knee joints do teh same (feels much better).

Question:  1) does cracking ur knuckles cause problems later in life (I can't stop being a nervous person)
                2) How to stop cracking my back ( I am scared I am damaging my spine over time)

Thanks for your help,
FWK

[FWK]

Hi,

cracking your knuckles has nothing to do with artiritis....all people say that also websites and stuff....it might cause shaking but that's it.

I will try to stop craking them anyway, I crack my back coz i can't stop it is like making ur back work extra if i don't......i will see my GP but have otehr problems first.
the thing that scares me is that my knees are weak ( i can walk and dance and stuff) but if they crack i feel btetr this is a new thing and I don't crack them it happens when i bend or something......dunno

I will see my GP and ask physiacian or something.
Take care and thanks

[charles28]

I had a friend that cracked his neck all the time like that.Then i went to see him one day and found out he was in the hospital.His mom said when he cracked his neck that day he broke it and was paralized for about 6 months.Kind of scared us all.He swore he would never would do it again lol.I also have a bad habbit of cracking my neck and knuckles.I was always told growing up that it would make my knuckles bigger later in life and it has.Also my doctor told me that if i keep doing it to my neck and knuckles that i would have severe arthritis in my neck and hands when im older.So i still do it and have done it since i was 10 or so and im 34 now.No arthritis here but i do have some large knuckles.Hope that helped sir.

[Zak_Han]

That's another question. 1) Answer: It's not dangerous,but it's not normal activity,you should go see doc to treat this soft tissue problem.
                                    2) Answer: Acupuncture therapy ,What I said it intensive acupuncture,general acupuncture is not powerful enough to heal this problem. I have no idea who is best, You can start with your primary care physician, who can help you determine your next step or who you need to see. It would seem that you would be best with a referral to medical acupuncturist ( Dr do acupuncture).

Good luck!

[FWK]

Hi Zak,

Thanks a lot for teh reply.

Is that dangerous, coz I know people do it to relax or something, I am ok just may try physical therapy first to see what they say.

i will keep acupuncture in mind...there are many places in london. Any recommendation for a good one?

Thanks  a lot,
FWK

[Zak_Han]

Question:  1) does cracking ur knuckles cause problems later in life (I can't stop being a nervous person)
Answer: Possibly don't
                2) How to stop cracking my back ( I am scared I am damaging my spine over time)
Answer: As far as I know,Intensive acupuncture can help.

Good luck!