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What is the Difference Between a Chiropractic Adjustment and "Cracking" My Own Back or Neck? |
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A chiropractic adjustment is SPECIFIC to a particular joint, and is delivered at
a SPECIFIC angle, with SPECIFIC force and depth, using a SPECIFIC method to have
a SPECIFIC result. The adjustment is directed to only those joints which, upon
careful and skilled examination, are found to have impaired movement of function
(i.e.: hypomobile joints). A spinal joint may be "dysfunctional" in any of six
different directions, or planes of motion. A chiropractic physician is expertly
trained to diagnose exactly how a joint is restricted, and how the joint
dysfunction is best corrected. What occurs when you "crack" your own back or
neck is entirely different. You are merely forcing those joints that are EASIEST
to move (i.e.: hypermobile joints) to do so, and to move in the direction that
is already EASIEST for them to move in. You are having most likely NO effect on
the joints that need help the most! Not only is this "self remedy" extremely
non-specific, but in the long run it may also be harmful. Repeated "cracking" of
hypermobile joints eventually leads to deterioration of those joints and
arthritic changes.
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