Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Clicking joints

Since I can remember I've always clicked my joints - it's very relaxing and I like doing it!

As AS is quite a new thing to me in many respects, what are people's thoughts on clicking? My thinking is that it should help maintain joint mobility by keeping things seperate. From a pain perspective I love clicking my lower back!!

I've read up on it before in the context of normal people, and there is no evidence it is particularly bad, if anything the evidence is for increased flexibility (there is a reduction in joint load capacity at an angle IIRC).

Are there any reasons why I shouldn't continue? Just not seen any info for AS sufferers.

I know how you feel it does feel kinda good. When I am stretching my back out it snaps & cracks and it feels so good . My rhuemy says its because my joints are loosening up which is common for us. I would think it wouldnt be problem as long as it doenst hurt. I'm sure someone will have some accurate info.

Angie

I don't think I could help it if I wanted to! Every time I move it seems something is popping, cracking, clicking...
espically my neck, upper back and shoulders -
many times I get headaches if I don't crack my neck and they are relieved when I finally do crack it.
Seems so barbaric, but yes, it does feel good! I hope no one writes with bad news for us clicker-crackers....

lol - it is so therapeutic - but it bugs me when people get annoyed at me for doing it - "don't do that is disgusting", "do you have to do that around me", etc - I don't see their problem...!!

Likewise I do hope no-one does say it's no good

Well, consult a Medical Dr first. Not recommended if you have fusion from advanced AS.
I do some self chiropractic on my neck. Sometimes it's the only way for me to break a migraine headache or insane neck pain. I also do yoga strecthes and neck stretches before try to click or crack my neck.

Hi Tony, like you I believe there's nothing like a good, resounding crack. However, we ASers have to be careful with this, as if there is fusing in our spines and we force it, we could do damage. Our spines are fragile because of the AS.

Chiropractic is controversial when it comes to AS. All doctors will tell you to steer clear. All chiros will tell you to come on in. Personally, I credit my chiro with keeping me moving freely. Not to mention she was instrumental in my diagnosis. However, she does not use torque in my adjustments. Uses a little gizmo called an integrator that works on a spring and nudges the vertebrae into alignment. She's very careful about my adjustments, does a ton of soft tissue work before hand and if she's doing my neck, always has the integrator hit her thumb as it rests over the area in question instead of going straight at it with the integrator.

My rheumatologist was not happy when he found out I go to a chiro (every two weeks for the last five years). However, he backed off when he found out she uses the integrator instead of torque. Even admitted that he was impressed with her when I told him how key she was in me getting diagnosed and how much research she did on AS so that she could treat me effectively and safely.

Just some thoughts.

Hugs,

Thanks for that Kat - I have to admit I'm in the vain hope that if i continue cracking away several times daily, I'll prevent te fusing process....!!! This won't be any use for my SI and beyond, but above there maybe it will keep things fluid, i don't know.

I guess over time, as things progress (as I'm only in the very early stages), I'll find out one way or the other

I've never heard of an integrator, but will try and remember it if I ever do see a chiro.

Thanks