Is Cracking Your Knuckles and Back Bad For You? – Chiropractor near Smithtown

Cracking your knuckles is a habit many people display. It is a method of dealing with nervous energy or to release tension. For others, this habit can be annoying and over the years there has been much concern over the long-term effects of knuckle cracking in terms of osteoarthritis. Dr. Raymond Semente, a chiropractor near Smithtown, can help educate and treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions or concerns. Continue to read more about the subject of knuckle cracking.

Have you ever wondered the physiological aspects of knuckle cracking? 

The “crack” of the joint seems to be generated by a change in the space between the finger joints. As a result, the gas bubbles collapse or burst in the synovial fluid, similar to a popping balloon. It takes some time for these gas bubbles to rebuild at the same juncture, thus why you can only crack your knuckles once per area in a given period. 

The breaking of the finger joints is probably harmless. Although there are occasional reports of tendon dislocation or excessive joint rupture, these issues seem to be the exception, not the rule.

Can knuckle cracking cause any harm?

One of the most compelling studies showcases that cracking your knuckles is harmless, and it comes from a Californian doctor. All his life, this doctor regularly cracked his knuckles of the fingers of a single hand. He checked the x-rays after decades of this behavior comparing both hands and found no difference in arthritis between his left or right. There have been various studies that have yielded similar results.

Are there any other sounds I should look out for?

The cause of most joint noises, such as the knees during squats is uncertain. They can come off the kneecap by rubbing the underlying bones or by sliding a tendon over an irregular surface. However, in the absence of negative symptoms, such as pain or swelling, pain, in the joints, these sounds are probably not a cause for concern.

In conclusion, cracking your knuckles is a harmless habit unless doing so is painful. If you have questions or concerns about your musculoskeletal system, contact Dr. Raymond Semente, a chiropractor near Smithtown today!