Myth: Cracking Your Back Causes Arthritis

Many believe that cracking the joints, particularly the back, leads to arthritis over time, resulting in people avoiding joint cracking to protect their future health.

Joint cracking does not cause arthritis. The sound occurs due to gas bubbles in the joint fluid, not from damage to cartilage or bones. According to studies in the Journal of American Medicine, there is no correlation between joint cracking and arthritis. In fact, joint cracking may provide relief by increasing joint flexibility. While excessive or forced joint cracking could lead to temporary discomfort, moderate cracking is safe. Understanding the mechanics of joint cracking can help individuals make informed choices without fearing arthritis development.