QuestionHi doctor victor,
i recently pulled something in my back and have been recovering for the last 2 months. it's getting better though i still have trouble touching my toes (though i've never been able to touch them even when i was healthy). anyway, it's been sometime since i've worked out and, while i never considered this to be an issue when i was healthy, is cracking the back bad? i ask because during warmups my coach asks us to swing the arms from side to side- like twisting the upper body. of course doing so leads to a very noticeable cracking of the back. curiously, is this a dangerous thing to do? would i be putting myself at risk for injury if i continue to do this as part of my warmup? because i certainly feel looser after doing it- and theoretically aren't warmup exercises supposed to lessen the risk of injury? thank you!
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Hello Kenny,
Thank you for your question!
I am sorry to hear that you 'pulled something' in your back and it is still 2 months into recovery! That certainly is a long time to hurt. Have you discussed this long term pain with your athletic trainer?, seen any doctor?
First, let me answer your question as if you were NOT hurting.
'Cracking the back', in the hands of a Doctor of Chiropractic, is very, very safe. Chiropractic Doctors have a very, very LOW rate of malpractice insurance compared to other doctors- because what we do is extremely safe.
'Cracking the back', in a HEALTHY person is also very safe. The body makes noise- the heart beats= and we can hear the 'lub- dub' of the heartbeat; we can hear ans feel the thumping/ beating heart. The body makes noise- the stomach growls, bubbles, churns= and we can hear it.
Joints can make noise; when we move certain ways, when we stretch= it is not uncommon to hear/ feel a 'snap, crackle, >pop<' type noise. The body makes noise. SEE ALSO: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2010/12/spine-pops-lot.htm , http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2009/3/Elbow-pain-clicking-pronatin... .
So, IF YOU WERE NOT HURTING, and your joints made/ make clicking/ cracking noises--- that is okay, the body makes noise. AND: ,,, IF YOU WERE NOT HURTING, and your joints made/ make clicking/ cracking noises, when you stretch/ rotate/ twist/ move- if you were NOT hurting and your body made noiwe-- that is A-okay too.
If you are hurting, or if when you move you hear a 'snap, crackle, >pop<' , accompanied by pain---- this is NOT a good sign; see your trainer, get referred to a Doctor of some type.
Now,,,,,, on to your question specifics:
"........ i recently pulled something in my back and have been recovering for the last 2 months......", If you are still hurting TWO MONTHS after an injury, you need to be seen in person by a doctor. Whether that licensed health professional is a Chiropractic Doctor (DC) or a Medical Doctor (MD)---> you should see a doctor, and preferably a specialist. I would prefer a sports injury specialist, orthopedic specialist, or rehab person; SEE= http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf .
You state: ".....it's getting better though i still have trouble touching my toes (though i've never been able to touch them even when i was healthy).....", I am glad you are getting better, BUT- still hurting after two months: see your local chiropractor! and,,, you sound a little inflexible; this article may interest you- I give this information to my Staten Island Chiropractic patients who are into athletics:
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Athletic Performance Improvement, Accelerated Recovery
Chiropractic is well known to improve athletic performance, prevent sport injury, and accelerate recovery from injury or hard training. With Doctors of Chiropractic serving on almost every nation抯 Olympic Team, with Chiropractic holding official status with the USOC and serving almost every US Olympic Athlete: the results of chiropractic cannot be denied. Coaches and athletes are aware of terms such as
enhanced performance, performance improvement, .
accelerated recovery, restoration and regeneration. .
Many coaching conferences discuss strategies on these aspects of exercise, competition, sports and athleticism.
An interesting study was performed and published way back in 1991. The January 1991 issue of the Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation published findings that demonstrate significant increases in athletic performance after a twelve week program of Chiropractic treatment.
Athletic Ability Research:
Male and female athletes between the ages of 18 and 42, representing a variety of sports backgrounds, were recruited to participate in this study. None had ever before been under chiropractic care. Each of these participants underwent eleven separate tests, each test designed to measure a specific aspect of athletic performance. Then, half the participants were evaluated through chiropractic analysis and placed on a twelve week program of chiropractic treatment ( consistent regimen of chiropractic, similar to a consistent regimen of physical athletic training/ exercise ). ( measured aspects: side step test, dodging run, right boomerang run, modified bass tests of dynamic balance, vertical power jump, standing broad jump, distance perception jump, horizontal linear space test, nelson hand reaction test, nelson speed of movement test, nelson choice of response-movement test )
All subjects continued to train and practice as usual in their sports. At the half-way point of six weeks, they were all reevaluated and changes in scores for each group were compared. All increases in performances by each group were measured by the average percent of change in all eleven tests combined.
The control group, those not receiving chiropractic care, showed slight improvement in eight of eleven tests ( this group had been training 慳s usual?for the time period ). By combining the average percentages of change on each test it was found that the control group showed an overall improvement of 4.5%.
Those receiving chiropractic treatment (along with their 憉sual training?, the test group, had dramatically different results. They showed improvement on all eleven tests for a total 10.7% average increase after six weeks. And when retested again after the second six week period of care this test group demonstrated a remarkable 16.7% average increase in athletic ability.
( consider that one/ onehundredth of a second ( 1/100th ) is the difference between win ?lose,,, 16.7% is HUGE )
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Chiropractors analyze the structure of the body, looking for misalignments, primarily in the spine, and also the extremities. Spinal misalignments, termed vertebral subluxations, irritate the nerves which in turn inhibits the body抯 ability to function optimally. Like a high performance automobile, the human structure must be balanced and in alignment to be at it抯 best. A Ferrari with pistons that don抰 fire in sequence, wheels that are out of balance or alignment, and high performance specifications that are improperly set will not only have it抯 performance compromised but will also have dramatically increased potential for parts to wear out and breakdown. The human body, far more delicate and complicated than even the most advanced automobile is similar. If the framework, particularly the spine, isn抰 properly aligned and balanced- the body cannot perform to it抯 potential and is more susceptible to illness and injury, with slower recovery when injury does occur.
What Do Vertebral Subluxations Do?
Vertebral subluxations cause nerve conduction interference. This inhibits millions of messages from the brain from flowing smoothly along the nerves and in this in turn interferes with the coordination of the actions of the body. The only health care provider trained to diagnose and correct vertebral subluxations is the Doctor of Chiropractic. Like a properly tuned Ferrari, the chiropractic patient athlete, when properly aligned, functions at a level of peak performance.
Famous Athletes Utilize Chiropractics.
Many athletes have discovered the relationship between proper spinal alignment and their own level of achievement. San Francisco Forty-Niner Greats Joe Montana and Roger Craig as well as heavy weight champion Evander Holyfield are examples of professional and world-class athletes who realize(d) the value of proper structural alignment and balance in their bodies. They have learned through their own experiences what research has shown; that through chiropractic care - one can demonstrate faster reaction time, better balance, improved coordination, increased muscular power; and when injured- accelerated recovery and regeneration.
The Competitive Edge.
Emphasis on athletic excellence continues to escalate in this country in terms of both dollars and extremes in personal sacrifice. Though the dangers of taking anabolic steroids have been widely publicized for years, the number of athletes who suffer serious health problems caused steroids continues to grow. Now, however, the athlete looking for the competitive edge need not look beyond the framework of his(her) own body. Increased public awareness is leading many to realize that a natural method is available in achieving performance enhancement. The method is Chiropractic!
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine ; Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010 ; Chiropractor to the CHAMPION PSAL Football(Curtis ) and CHAMPION NYPD Football Teams
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I hope this explains how a DC may be of help to your pain, AND athletic performance !!!
You ask, "....anyway, it's been sometime since i've worked out and, while i never considered this to be an issue when i was healthy, is cracking the back bad?.....", , , ,
'Is cracking th back bad?'= see above. The body makes noise. If a 'crack' or pop does not hurt when it happens- it is probably of little consequence. We can crack our knuckles, we can do a knee bend and have our hip or knees crack, I can repeatedly crack my ankles. The body makes noise. The noise is not bad unless the noise is accompanied by a pain. That sound is just the movement of a joint.
You say, ".... i ask because during warmups my coach asks us to swing the arms from side to side- like twisting the upper body.....", it sounds like you are stretching during warmups. A warmup is usually best accomplished by doing the activity you are going to do,,,,, but at a lower, slower pace. Start low and slow, 'warm-up', start easy with the movements you are going to do later at a higher pace. You should 'STRETCH' only -after- you warm up. Stretching is NOT the warmup.
So if you are stretching after warmup, the movement should be okay. IF you are stretching to warmup, then you may be headed for a problem.
Does the motion seem to hurt you?, any pain?, then do not do it,,,, and get evaluated!
".....would i be putting myself at risk for injury if i continue to do this as part of my warmup?.....", does the motion cause any pain/ discomfort?- then discontinue and get evaluated. Does the motion NOT cause discomfort, then in all probability it is fine to continue.
".....because i certainly feel looser after doing it- and theoretically aren't warmup exercises supposed to lessen the risk of injury?......."; absolutely: a PROPER warmup decreases the risk of injury. A proper warmup is NOT stretching initially. Stretching, similar as you described it is AFTER the body is warmed up.
I hope this all helps.
If you need further information, do not hesitate to REcontact me here at ALLexperts.com:
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC.htm , you could also visit my website: www.drvictordolan.net
You sound active- information I give my Staten Island Sports Injury patients includes the PRICE protocol:
P.R.I.C.E. = P protection. R rest. I ice. C compression. E elevation.
Hurt yourself ?? injury/ trauma/ bruise/ not even sure - - a broken bone ??
You should certainly get to the Doctor or trained health professional to be examined if you think it is bad enough. BUT in the meantime, some simple steps may help. PRICE.
The PRICE protocol will usually help just about any musculoskeletal injury.
P = Protection; protect the area from further injury- stop what you are doing, can you
pad or bandage the area ? Tape the area? Do something to protect the area !
R = Rest; rest the area as much as possible, if a part is damaged, give the body time to
repair the area
I = Ice; ice is a potent anti-inflammatory; it will slow swelling, help with pain control
(ice is analgesic), place ice over cloth over the injured area for 5, 10 minutes, off the
injured area for 30 minutes; then back on again ( please do NOT use heat, heat adds to edema->
heat feels good while it is on,,,, and often makes the condition WORSE after you take heat off )
C = Compression; to help prevent swelling compression may be helpful- for example
if it is an ankle, wrap the ankle with an ace bandage and ice the area. Many body
parts may not be applicable to compression.
E = Elevation; again to fight swelling and pain, raising the injured body part above the
heart may be helpful- ie raise an ankle or knee, you lay down, raise the injured part
PRICE may help : Sprains, Strains, musculo-skeletal injury, bruise, contusion
Sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a bump or bruise, sprain or strain. Sometimes also involved with the injury is a vertebral subluxation (or other joint subluxation) (subluxation is a mechanical problem- of any joint- and requires a mechanical correction). In the spine, a sprain/strain is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the joint, a stretch of the muscles, tendons and/ or ligaments:- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation. Sometimes symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months later!- Well after the actual trauma !!!
Spinal = Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation? ; ( subluxation COULD be any joint )
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms. Sprain/ strain/ bump/ bruise?= may result in subluxation of the nearby joint. CORRECT the subluxation !!!!
see also: http://www.youtube.com/user/naturalhealthdoctor?feature=creators_cornier-http%3A...
I hope I have explained the importance of seeing a doctor for any continued pain. I hope I have explained the DIFFERENCE between stretching and PROPER warmup.
Again, Thank you for your question!
I hope all this information helps you. If you need further- REcontact me.
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC DACBSP; your Staten Island Chiropractic expert.
