Cracking Your Back [Video]
Ask the Expert: Spine Video Series
About the video: Does cracking my back cause damage?
Summit Orthopedics spine specialists Steven Stulc, D.O. and David Spight, D.O. share insight on cracking your back and whether it can cause any damage.
Meet Dr. David Spight
Dr. Spight’s approach: “My greatest satisfaction in medicine is having the opportunity to educate patients about the relationship between structure and function, which allows them to gain the necessary knowledge to become active participants in their care.”
Dr. Spight’s education: Dr. Spight completed his undergraduate studies at the National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, IL and went on to receive his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, FL. His residency took place at Detroit Medical Center’s Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, and he completed advanced fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management, Spine Technology and Rehabilitation in Fort Wayne, IN.
Meet Dr. Steven Stulc
Dr. Stulc’s approach: “My goal is to treat patients with a comprehensive approach to their spine related disorders, understanding that improving pain and function can have a tremendous impact on quality of life.”
Dr. Stulc’s education: Dr. Stulc studied at Southwestern Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN for his undergraduate degree, and he completed his medical degree at Des Moines University in Des Moines, IA. Following his residency in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program at Mayo Clinic, he completed advanced fellowship training in Interventional Pain Medicine at Penn State University’s Department of Anesthesiology in Hershey, PA.
Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive spine expertise
Our back specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, nonsurgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, biofeedback, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeons offer proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.
Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a spine consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
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Additional resources for you
Visit our Back, Neck & Spine Care section where you’ll find more articles on spine health, information about common spine conditions and treatments, our spine video library, and more.
Video Transcription
Cracking your back, the sound that you’re hearing is actually little popping of the joints either in your neck or low back. And the short answer is it really is not causing any damage to your spine. Typically when a person is cracking their back, they’re performing some type of stretching maneuver and really what that has been determined to be as pressure changes occur in the joints, I don’t think a person’s necessarily working for or against themselves. I don’t think they’re doing any damage at all.
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Steven M. Stulc, D.O.
“My goal is to treat patients with a comprehensive approach to their spine related disorders, understanding that improving pain and function can have a tremendous impact on quality of life.”
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David W. Spight, D.O.
“My greatest satisfaction in medicine is having the opportunity to educate patients about the relationship between structure and function, which allows them to gain the necessary knowledge to become active participants in their care.”
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