Self Manipulation: Yes or no?
I’m sure you’ve heard this a dozen times before, maybe even from a chiropractor: “don’t crack your (insert body part), that’s bad for you”. What if I told you there is actually NOT ONE good piece of literature out there to support this claim?
The truth is, self manipulation is not something that should be feared. Don’t get me wrong; as with anything, there is a right and a wrong way to do it. However, there is nothing wrong with bringing a joint through its full range of motion and experiencing a small release as a result.
So why do so many people seem to think they’re going to do some type of permanent damage to their joints by doing this? Personally, I think this is a fear tactic used by chiropractors as a way to create some job security. There, I said it. Unfortunately there are a lot of “one-trick-pony” chiropractors who’s only skill is the spinal manipulation, more commonly known as an adjustment. My own personal opinion is that some of these chiropractors subconsciously try to convince their patients that manipulation should be left to the professionals, who have years of experience being trained in how to perform this safely and effectively.
There’s just one problem with this…the chiropractic curriculum mostly consists of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and case management. The actual amount of time spent learning these so-called “safe” methods of manipulation is miniscule in the grand scheme of things. And before anyone still reading this (thank you by the way) jumps up and down saying “wait, aren’t you a chiropractor?” Yes, I am a chiropractor. Which gives me every right to point out the inconsistencies and fallacies of my own profession. *sips coffee with sarcastic smile*
Have you heard about the longitudinal study done by Dr Donald Unger where he consistently, at least 2x/day, cracked the knuckles of his left hand while leaving his right hand un-cracked (I know, sounds tortuous, right?) for over 50 years? Unger, through x-ray analysis, was able to show that the joint spaces were exactly the same in both hands, meaning this “excessive cracking” did nothing to change his individual anatomy. Unger went on to actually win a freaking nobel prize in 2009 for his efforts.
If this doesn’t bring you some peace of mind when it comes to self manipulation, I’m not sure what will. Now, as mentioned before, there definitely is a right and a wrong way to do something. Am I advocating for two buddies to team up and exchange ring dingers at home after a few beers? God, no. Instead, I’m referring to your ability to safely and slowly bring a joint to its full range of motion with a sustained pressure and intention on getting a release of gaseous matter from within the joint.
As a rule of thumb, if you were to watch someone perform a self manipulation and you don’t wince at the sight of them doing this, it's probably A-OK. Yes, I am aware of some of the Tik Tok videos floating around out there. You know exactly what I am talking about!
To wrap this up, keep cracking your knuckles. Or don’t. I don’t care. Because the point is there is such a small chance or likelihood that you are going to cause yourself any harm. Hopefully this helps!
Yours in health,
Team LeverEdge