Can you crack your own neck or back?

The usual Scenario:

If you often crack or pop your neck yourself, it probably means that the joints are hypermobile. The ligaments are a bit lax so the joints move a little more than they should. In response, the muscles tighten up to stabilize the joints. This makes your neck feel tight and makes you want to crack it. When you do that, the muscles are momentarily stretched, they relax somewhat, and you feel better for a while. But when you crack your neck you also stretch the loose ligaments further which makes the muscles tighten up again. It’s a vicious cycle.

What can be done about it?

If you continue to crack your own back, then the joints that are too mobile already will continue to become more mobile. They can wear out faster than they should, and can lead to osteoarthritis, or other joint pain conditions. Seeing your Chiropractor will ensure that the joint motion is even throughout your whole spine. Your Chiropractor will adjust the spinal segments to restore proper range of motion, and stabilise the ones that move too much.

Should i stop cracking it? 

Yes. Get a trained professional to do it for you, it is far more gentle safe and effective when done by a Chiropractor. Your Chiropractor will have at least 5 years full time university training, with hands on subjects from the 1st year.