The "TikTok back cracker board" has recently gained popularity on social media, with users attempting to pop their backs by laying on the board and allowing it to apply pressure to their spine. But is this trend actually beneficial for your back, or is it just another passing fad? In this blog review, we'll take a closer look at the back cracker board and discuss the potential risks and benefits of using it.
https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/best-back-stretchers/
TikTok Back Cracker - Back Crack TikTok Trend:
The popularity behind the TikTok back cracker board and the whole trend is one that almost everyone can relate to. We've all experienced that sense of satisfaction when you crack a certain body part that has been bugging you. Or maybe you just got out of bed and you're feeling stiff, a good stretch or a lay on your back cracker board can get you feeling better to start the day. But what happens when you crack your back? Are you actually doing yourself any good? Read on to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of cracking your back using the back cracker board.
TikTok Back Cracker - Does It Actually Work?
There is no definitive answer on whether or not stretching and cracking your spine is good for you. Some people may find relief from stiffness or discomfort after cracking their spine, while others may not experience any benefits. There is some evidence to suggest that cracking your spine can help to reduce muscle tension and improve your range of motion. However, it is important to note that cracking your spine does not actually "fix" any underlying problems and should not be relied upon as a sole treatment for chronic back pain or other spinal issues.
There is a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of back cracker boards for improving back health or reducing back pain. In fact, some experts caution against the use of back cracker boards like the TikTok back cracker, as they can potentially cause harm if used improperly. Improper use of a back cracker board, such as applying too much pressure, increased hyperextension, or using it for an extended period of time, can lead to injury.
Back Crack TikTok - Why So Appealing?
What the back crack TikTok community finds appealing from the TikTok back cracker board is quick tension relief from the "cracking" sound. What happens during this release of tension is two things - You are releasing pressure in your spine and you are releasing endorphins which is a "feel-good" hormone. While this release of endorphins brings temporary relief, the root of your back pain will not be cured by a simple crack.
TikTok Back Cracker - A Better Alternative:
It is generally recommended to avoid forcibly cracking your spine, as it can potentially cause harm to the joints and surrounding tissue. If you are experiencing chronic back pain or discomfort there are more effective ways to reduce pain and increase mobility in your lower back. One of which is through deep-tissue muscle massage. Tight surrounding spinal muscles are a very common culprit for low back pain and tightness and deep tissue muscle massage is a surefire way to loosen stiff muscles and take pressure off your spine.
A tool that has been becoming increasingly popular with patients suffering from lower back pain and tightness is the QL Claw. The QL Claw is currently the only deep tissue massage tool that targets the quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle of the lower back along with other surrounding muscles including the piriformis, gluteus medius, and iliopsoas. If you have a hard time bending over, twisting, getting out of bed, or sitting up straight, there's a good chance tight muscles are to blame. Get yourself a QL Claw and attack the problem head-on from the luxury of your own home.
[1] Donnelly, Joseph M. Travell, Simons & Simons Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: the Trigger Point Manual. 3rd ed., Wolters Kluwer Health, 2019.
[2] Davies, Clair, and Amber Davies. The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief. 3rd ed., New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 2013.