How do you adjust your own spine?

Answer 1

Answer by Puhlaa:

When your muscles are relaxed your spine may "crack" (what doctors of chiropractic call "release") on its own when you bend, twist, etc. This is simply the release of gases from the joint space, and is no different than cracking knuckles, etc.

It should be noted that research has suggested that the "cracking" sound that comes from "cracking" a joint has no therpeutic benefit in itself. It seems that it is rather the high velocity and low amplitude stretch of proprioceptive musculature that surrounds the joint that induced the therapeutic effect. Thus, simply "cracking" your own back by twisting yourself or squeezing a friend will not result in the same benefits of a proper adjustment by a skilled professional such as a doctor of chiropractic, who have attended at least 8 years of post secondary education to perfect this technique.

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• Hmmm, this can be dangerous. The best idea is to be sure the muscles are fully relaxed. So, make sure you let stress go, take a hot massage shower and all that. If there is nothing wrong with your spine, sitting, standing and walking with good posture will align it. You can also try stretching your back. Never jerk into or use momentum to get into a streching position. Just stretch slowly. "Popping" your spine can damage it so be wary. If your spine is seriously out of alignment, such that you cannot get into a proper posture, or if you are in a lot of pain or frequently have spine issues you may want to see a doctor. The best way to avoid spine problems is to have good muscle tone in your back and abdomen and to sit, stand and walk with good posture and sleep on a good mattress at night. Hope this helps!

• It is possible if you know what you are doing. It took over 3 years of chiropractic training to get to this level of mastery. That said it's a process. Koren Specific Technique is great place to begin if you want to work your way backwards!