Dubai
Doha
Are back cracks part of every osteopathy appointment? Do they cause any pain, and should I be worried about them? Well, here to uncover the truth about back cracks is Daniel Stott, a highly experienced osteopath at Anatomy Rehab in Dubai.
If you’ve ever visited an osteopath in Dubai or had any osteopathy treatment, you have probably heard that distinct crack/pop sound during your session. At first, it can be surprising, maybe even a little unsettling, but there is no need to be concerned! That sound is completely normal and, despite popular belief, it’s not your bones breaking, and it absolutely does not cause arthritis.
So, let’s unpack what’s really going on.
What Causes the “Crack” Sound in Joint Adjustments?
The sound you hear during a spinal adjustment or joint manipulation is medically known as cavitation. Simply put, it’s caused by a release of gas bubbles from the fluid in your joints.
Here’s how it works:
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Your joints contain a lubricant called synovial fluid.
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This fluid helps reduce friction between bones.
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When your joint is stretched quickly, the pressure inside the joint drops.
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That pressure change causes tiny gas bubbles to form and then collapse, creating that “popping” sound.
Think of it like opening a bottle of soda. The “pop” is just a pressure release, not damage.
Myth: Cracking Joints Causes Arthritis
Truth: No Scientific Link
This myth has been around for decades. Many people believe that cracking your knuckles or back leads to arthritis. However, numerous studies have debunked this.
One famous study was conducted by Dr. Donald Unger, who cracked the knuckles on only one hand for over 60 years. The result? No difference in arthritis between the two hands. His commitment even earned him an Ig Nobel Prize!
Additionally, the Arthritis Foundation confirms that joint cracking has not been shown to cause arthritis of any type.
How Safe Are Back Cracks / Joint Adjustments?
Very safe, especially in a clinical setting. According to a review published in the journal Spine, the risk of serious complications from spinal manipulation is extremely low, estimated at around 1 in 1 million treatments.
In Dubai, osteopathy clinics must be licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), ensuring high standards of care and safety. Joint adjustment is considered extremely low risk when performed by a DHA licensed osteopath in Dubai.
In fact, manual therapy and joint adjustments are widely used techniques in osteopathy to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.
When to See an Osteopath in Dubai
You might benefit from visiting an osteopath near you in Dubai if you’re dealing with:
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Chronic back or neck pain
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Tension headaches
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Disc injuries
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Limited joint movement
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Recovery from a sports injury
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Poor posture or repetitive strain
At a licensed osteopathy clinic in Dubai, your practitioner will perform a full assessment before doing any adjustments, ensuring your treatment is both safe and tailored to your specific needs.
Final Thoughts
So next time you hear that “crack” during an osteopathy session, remember—it’s just gas escaping from your joints, not your bones breaking. And no, it won’t give you arthritis.
Instead, think of it as a release—a sign that your body is regaining mobility and balance with the help of a skilled osteopath.
