In some cases, cracking the back can help relieve cramps or minor pains. If someone asks you for help with a discomfort in that part of their body, have them lie down on a flat surface and gently push on their back until they feel relief. Doctors advise against using this method without professional supervision, especially if the pain is severe. Follow the advice in this article for mild irritation and pain only.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Helping Someone Crack Their Back
Step 1. Use the gentle methods used by chiropractors
Other back cracking techniques can be very dangerous and are not recommended by professionals. Try only the light massages that chiropractors practice to reduce the risk of complications. Aggressive methods, such as hugs from behind or those that require you to lift the patient, can cause trauma.
The method described in the article is based on that used by chiropractors and is safer. However, it is always better to have a visit from a specialist
Step 2. Ask the patient to lie down on a flat surface
It should lie on its stomach on top of a bed, table, or even on the floor.
Step 3. Push on the patient's back and buttocks
If you use the safest methods, a gentle massage rather than a hard push is enough to crack your back. Start by pressing lightly with one hand on the buttocks and with the other on the person's upper back. To get started, press gently for a few seconds at a time.
Step 4. Pull the pelvic bone as you push your back
Place one hand on the patient's lower back, just above the buttocks. Keep the other one right under your pelvis. Push gently on your back as you lift the pelvic bone slightly.
Step 5. Press on the back as you raise and lower the person's legs
Once the pelvis is moved, the patient should raise his legs, remaining in the prone position. A real chiropractor's table is ideal for this step, where you can tilt the end up and down. However, since you probably won't have such a table, you can try to have the patient raise and lower both legs slightly. It should make a gentle, swinging motion, which favors the snapping of the back.
Step 6. Press on the lower back
Push on the part just above the buttocks, at the end of the spine. Keep doing this until the patient feels relief. Remember that you will not always hear the classic pop, yet the person should feel relief from these movements.
Step 7. Talk to the patient throughout the procedure
As you help him snap his back, keep the dialogue open so you can make sure he feels comfortable. Ask him if he is okay and tell him to stop if he is in pain. Remember that if you keep trying to crack someone's back if they feel bad, you can injure them.
Method 2 of 2: Take Security Measures
Step 1. See a doctor if the pain becomes severe
Never help a patient snap their back if they claim to be in a lot of pain. This procedure can cause serious complications in those with serious health problems. Severe back pain should only be treated by professionals.
Step 2. Don't always snap your back
If you or someone you know always need to crack your back, it may be a symptom of a medical problem related to the muscles or bones of that part of the body. While this procedure may temporarily relieve pain, it does not address the root cause of the discomfort.
Step 3. Make sure to prevent back pain in the future
Cracking your back often is not good for your health. Instead of relying on this therapy to manage pain, you can use the following methods to prevent it:
- Eat a balanced diet to strengthen your bones.
- Exercise regularly to stretch your muscles and reduce excess weight.
- Wear shoes that fit correctly.
- If you smoke, quit. Nicotine can increase back pain.
