joint cracking of fingers, toes, neck & back

jd5am · Post by **jd5am** » Jun 09, 2006 11:42

Does anyone know the reason why I continue to crack my fingers, toes, neck and back intensely?? I suspect it's linked to how tense my body is (based on an earlier article I read on this forum).

Is there a repercussion to doing this - e.g. will I end up getting arthiritis or osteoporosis?

Are there any exercises I can do to eliminate this intense cracking?

dragon · Post by **dragon** » Jun 10, 2006 05:13

There can be different reasons for jionts making a cracking or popping sound.

The most common are gas being released and tendons returning to their original position after being moved.

Sometimes the noises may be a symptom of something else but usually they are harmless.

Dragon.

backinjured · Post by **backinjured** » Jun 13, 2006 07:51

it's harmless if you do it the right way
you should pull your fingers but do not press firmly on your knucles

mat · Post by **mat** » Jun 13, 2006 11:51

My understanding is that if you exercise & work your your hands intensely (especially if you are a martial artist and are always making fists, doing press-ups on knuckles and fingertips etc) then it is a good idea to "crack your knuckles" from time to time to relax & loosen the joints and actually avoid arthritis later in life.

However as a general rule for non-sporting types and office workers, its probably not a good idea to do it as it could damage weak joints.

This is just my stance on it at the present time - pls correct me if you think I am wrong!!!

Cheers,
Mat