Cracking and Popping Joints: Good or Bad? | GetDocSays


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Growing up, I used to imitate the cool kids in school to crack my knuckles. I kept this up for years, until my mother corrected me. She threatened that my knuckles will grow big and end up with arthritis if I continue cracking them. Years later, although I no longer crack my knuckles, I became “addicted” to cracking my neck. I found that useful to relieve tension, especially after a long day of work. Is the habit of cracking joints beneficial or harmful in any way? 

 

The Science behind Cracking Joints

Cracking joints have garnered interest since early 1900. Nevertheless, the real reason behind the cracking sound remain mysterious. In 2015, researchers used MRI to study cracking knuckles in real time. In the study, researchers observed the development of a cavity between the cracked joints. From this, they postulated that the cavity that had formed had produced the sound.   

Three years later, another group of researchers used a mathematical model to theorise that the cause of the sound was due to partial collapse of the cavity instead. Meanwhile, some even suggested that it could be due to tendons or muscles moving around the joints.

 

Cavity formation when cracking knuckles, as shown by the yellow arrow (Source: PLOS One)

 

The Truth behind the Knuckle Arthritis Scare 

A retrospective case-control study among 215 respondents aged 50 to 89, comprised 135 patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA) and 80 disease-free individuals. One in five respondents habitually cracked their knuckles. When patients with OA were singled out, they found that the prevalence of OA was similar in knuckle-cracking (18.1 %) and non-knuckle-cracking (21.5 %) patients. The researchers concluded that habitual knuckle cracking is not a risk factor for hand OA.  

Interestingly, Dr Unger took it upon himself to only crack his left knuckle at least twice a day. On the other hand, he cracked his right hand only “rarely and spontaneously”, according to his letter to the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism. At the end of his experiment that spanned over fifty years, he compared both his hands, and concluded that neither of his hands was arthritic, with no obvious differences between two hands. 

While knuckle cracking does not seem to be harmful, any joint cracking that is accompanied with pain, limited motion or joint swelling should be given medical attention immediately. 

 

The Reason behind the “Addictiveness” of Cracking Joints

Essentially, cracking knuckles does not bring benefit. Nevertheless, it is still a pleasant experience for those who likes hearing the crack sound and the feeling of a “looser” joint. It could also be done out of habit, nervousness or as a stress reliever. 

Meanwhile, back cracking has additional benefit of endorphins release around the adjusted or stretched area. Endorphins are the body’s natural pain reliever and can leave someone feeling satisfied after a crack. But, stretching or adjusting your back incorrectly may lead to injuries accompanied with intense, sharp, or unbearable pain. Stretching the back muscles would be safest with yoga or Pilates exercises. Alternatively, you can also leave it to the chiropractor or physiologist for proper back manipulation if necessary. 

 

Conclusion 

The sound from knuckle cracking is either due to joint cavity formation, joint cavity collapse, or tendons or muscles moving around the joints. The good news is – there is no connection between knuckle cracking and hand arthritis. However, if you or your loved one experience joint cracking with pain, limited motion or joint swelling, consult a doctor immediately. 

 

Further reads: 

 

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Joanne Lee

by Joanne Lee

Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.




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