"Is it bad to 'crack' my own spine?"

I wrote a blog about this on my LinkedIn page (read original blog) back in November but the question gets asked every week. Although it seems like a simple and gentle movement with a little sound, a lot goes into an adjustment that you probably don't realize.

Each time I evaluate your spine there a few things going through my head:

• subluxation analysis
• palpation skill
• movement quality
• X-ray interpretation
• instrumentation readings
• line of drive consideration
• muscle tone
• swelling/edema
• force quotients
• contact points
• vertebral level selection
• contra-indication assessments
• family history
• patient positioning
• breath control
• purpose
• intent
• timing

It took years to develop all of these skills individually, let alone tying it all together. So if you think you can handle all that, give it a shot (at your own risk). But I would recommend leaving it to the professionals who dedicate their lives to delivering a safe, effective adjustment.