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TNT · 10-29-2006, 12:58 AM

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/spor...ckles-and-more

Originally Posted by Nicholas DiNubile, M.D.

In my last blog entry, I talked about noisy bones and joints. One other joint sound that I am often asked about is that well-known sound that is made when someone cracks their knuckles. Is this something good? Is it dangerous in any way?
We are not entirely sure what causes that noise, but most of us believe that the sound is elicited from small gas bubbles popping or bursting when under pressure. As you know some find it very easy to repetitively create the sound, and some even get addicted to doing this. While it may be annoying to those around us, and of great concern to many parents, most orthopedic surgeons believe that there is no harm in cracking your knuckles. I believe that an occasional knuckle crack is fine and can be combined with some simple stretches. I do not however suggest that you do this all day long especially if you are already hypermobile or loose jointed.

Another similar popping sensation occurs with spinal manipulation that is done by many chiropractors and/or osteopathic physicians. This noise is also not well understood, but is also believed to be due to small gas bubbles popping or bursting under pressure. It too is safe. Many cringe at the sound, but I welcome it when my back is adjusted. It seems to help loosen me up a little, even temporarily.

Do you crack your knuckles or get your back cracked? Do you think it can help, or harm? Please share your stories

Mattk · 10-29-2006, 09:16 PM

I crack my knuckles. In fact, I was doing it whilst reading that.

Mattk · 10-30-2006, 08:43 PM

^Are you sure it isn't just old age catching up?

Yeah, it does relieve some soreness, I guess.

Erez · 10-30-2006, 09:07 PM

yeah i crack my knuckles, and since i had a really bad strain neck (not sure if thats the term, i couldnt move it.. anyway..) for a month(!) in the 10th grade i crack once in a while my neck too!
now while i was in the army i worked with a lot of doctors.. and i asked one about it, he said the same "small gas bubbles popping or bursting under pressure" thing and that its harmless..
..i dont think about it too much..

btw- i too cracked them while reading this

TNT · 10-30-2006, 09:11 PM

yeah it kind of is giving a mild explaination, but everyone is like you wont be able to move when your older but no tests/studies have proven that, let along shown that.

Erez · 10-30-2006, 09:19 PM

yeah.. but thats all granny tale.. same as "dont walk around bare footed, youll get a cold!" thats bs.. :roll:

SFDMALEX · 10-30-2006, 09:54 PM

You are simply releasing the gas buildup in your joints. Which is a good thing. And long term prevents arthrites.

It just depends the extent to which you do it. If you bend your knuckles or other joints too much when you are "cracking" then you may overstress your ligaments and muscle, and grind bone which is NOT GOOD. So you have to know how much is too much.