Posture + Joint Cracking

Hi all,

I have been working out and my posture has been steadily improving. My chest is looser, my back is stronger and I am able to stand more upright. I regularly try to stretch my shoulders to improve my posture. I can feel them tighten up if I do not stretch for a day or two. I try to do dynamic stretches. One thing I am concerned about though is that my shoulders crack when stretching and it is very loud. It usually feels better/looser after-wards but it is loud.

Is that bad for your joints long term? If my posture continue to improve further should I be able to get to the point where they no longer crack? I don't know if I shouldn't be cracking them but I do usually because it feels better, like a release in my shoulders, and I can have better posture.
 
I have heard numerous things over the years saying it is horrible and some saying it doesn't really do anything.

I just tried to Google search it for you to get some articles to read and all of them are blocked by work saying they are related to "criminal skills." With that being the case, I would say they are bad...LOL...

In all seriousness, I have no idea
 
Here's what I found:





"When should I worry about the cracking and popping of a joint?

The only time to worry about cracking or popping of a joint is if there is pain when the joint pops. Swelling is not normal and should be evaluated if it accompanies the noises. If the joint gets locked or stuck when it pops or cracks then it may indicate a joint problem that should be evaluated. If you are losing motion of the joint, if it is swelling or if you are losing function of the joint, then you should seek medical treatment."
 
Hi all,

I have been working out and my posture has been steadily improving. My chest is looser, my back is stronger and I am able to stand more upright. I regularly try to stretch my shoulders to improve my posture. I can feel them tighten up if I do not stretch for a day or two. I try to do dynamic stretches. One thing I am concerned about though is that my shoulders crack when stretching and it is very loud. It usually feels better/looser after-wards but it is loud.

Is that bad for your joints long term? If my posture continue to improve further should I be able to get to the point where they no longer crack? I don't know if I shouldn't be cracking them but I do usually because it feels better, like a release in my shoulders, and I can have better posture.


For better posture, emphasize keeping your chest up and shoulders down while performing all lifts. Also do some posterior work like prone ball cobras, ball scaptions and keep your lats loose as well. As far as the joint cracking I've heard that if doesn't hurt it's not doing any harm but what I know of corrective exercise it could be due to anterior and posterior muscle imbalances.
 
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