Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Orthopedic Surgeon · Back Pain and Spinal Surgery
Twisting your spine to make it "pop" can be dangerous and cause further injury. It is best to leave spinal manipulation to trained, certified professionals in a clinical setting as they have the expertise needed to safely adjust the spine and reduce any risks of further harm. Spinal manipulation should only be done when absolutely necessary or otherwise recommended by a medical professional.
That being said, some people may perceive mild spinal adjustments as relieving moderate pain or providing temporary relief from stiffness - particularly those suffering from muscles spasms resulting from conditions such as fibromyalgia or scoliosis. However, this type of self-manipulation without proper guidance could lead to tissue damage and/or increased pain over time due to misalignment of the vertebrae and joints. Therefore, if you have any spinal concerns please see your doctor for an evaluation before attempting any type of manipulative technique on yourself for risk mitigation purposes.