Thou Shall Not Self-Manipulate!
“The more specific we are, the more universal something can become. Life is in the details. If you generalize, it doesn’t resonate. The specificity of it is what resonates.” – Jacqueline Woodson
Most things require some form of specificity and if a general method is applied, usually the results are non-satisfactory. The same goes for our spine, our spines and therefore our nerve systems need specific attention, not general adjusting to cause the cavitations (noise made from the adjustment). There are specific problems that need specific solutions to get to the root of the issue. Self-manipulating compensations is not the answer for the correction of actual problems.
When self-adjustments are made or should I say self-manipulations because they are not specific adjustments, the popping noise (cavitation) is the release of nitrogen gas from bubbles in the synovial joint fluid in the joint space. At the same time, endorphins are released which is a natural pain killer so even though it may feel relieving, it is more than likely causing harm than good. Furthermore, the residual from endorphins is short-term because the main issue is not corrected and that is the reason people can continue to perform that manipulation for months to years since the compensation is addressed, and not the primary cause. When there is a subluxation or a misalignment of the spine, the joint is fixated meaning it’s not moving like it should and the body responds by compensating and makes the vertebra above or below hypermobile (increased movement) and it is the hypermobile vertebra that is being self-manipulated. Self-manipulation increases the laxity of the ligaments which decreases their ability to do their job by helping to hold bones in place.
When you feel the urge…RESIST! Do not cause unnecessary harm and stress to your spine. Avoid the temptation by doing better because you know better! Get checked and stay healthy!
