经常掰手指关节不会导致骨关节炎或握力减弱，这一结论得到多项科学研究的支持[1]。美国医学爱好者Donald Unger进行了一项跨越50年的个人实验，坚持每天至少掰手指两次，累计约36,500次，结果在72岁时的X光检查显示两手都未出现关节炎[1]。1975年的一项研究对比了28名养老院居民，发现经常掰关节者与不掰关节者的关节炎发病率相似[1]。2017年的研究进一步驳斥了1990年的早期结论，证实掰关节与握力减弱无关联[1]。
关节爆裂产生的声音相当可观，最高可达83分贝，相当于柴油卡车行驶时的音量[1]。然而，并非所有部位的关节爆裂都是安全的。颈部和背部的关节爆裂存在风险，因为颈部包含脊髓和重要动脉，过度操作可能导致四肢刺痛和头晕[1]。2012年Neil O'Connell等人将脊椎颈部按摩描述为"不必要且不建议的"[1]。
Decades of research and personal experimentation have largely debunked the long-standing belief that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis or weakens grip strength. Donald Unger conducted a remarkable 50-year self-study in which he cracked the knuckles of one hand at least twice daily—accumulating roughly 36,500 cracks—while leaving the other hand untouched; at age 72, X-ray examinations revealed no arthritis in either hand [1]. A 1975 study comparing 28 nursing home residents found that those who regularly cracked their joints developed arthritis at rates similar to those who did not [1]. A 2017 investigation directly contradicted earlier research by finding no link between knuckle cracking and grip weakness [1].
However, not all joint manipulation is equally safe. The sound produced by cracking knuckles can reach 83 decibels, comparable to the noise of a passing diesel truck [1]. More importantly, spinal manipulation in the neck region carries genuine risks. In 2012, researchers led by Neil O'Connell described cervical spine massage as "unnecessary and not recommended," noting that the neck contains the spinal cord and critical arteries [1]. Excessive manipulation in this area may result in tingling in the limbs and dizziness [1]. Thus, while habitual finger cracking appears harmless based on available evidence, manipulation of the neck and upper spine warrants caution.