Fingers

[Chris Travers]

Hey all! I have this nasty habit of popping my knuckles quite frequently. I've heard that this can cause finger problems. Will it effect my mando-playing? Or is it something I don't need to worry about. Will it cause injury later in life? Do I need to break this habit? Does anyone else do this or is it just me? All ideas and inputs appreciated.

Thanks!
~crazylotrfan~

[Susan H.]

I used to do that when I was much younger. I'm in my 50's now, and don't have too much problem with my mando playing. It's good to break it now though.

What's up with that "cat" picture?

[Chris Travers]

Thanks for the reply. I didn't think anyone was going to!

"What's up with that "cat" picture?" - it's funny! That's what's up with it.

[JeffD]

I had a medical professional explain to me that it really doesn't hurt anything, but it sure grosses out those next to you. Its a good way to save the seat next to you on a bus.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Chris Travers]

Thanks JeffD! I'll tell my mom that. She's always getting after me for popping my fingers. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[MikeEdgerton]

"What's up with that "cat" picture?" - it's funny! That's what's up with it.
It's actually kind of disturbing, I'm having nightmares about it....I can't get it out of my head.

[Chris Travers]

LOL http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif You want me to change it?

[MikeEdgerton]

actually no, I like being disturbed. It's a good excuse for my other behavior.

[camsheeps]

I don't believe there have been any legitimate scientific studies showing that its bad for you, so go ahead. I do it all the time too.

[Chris Travers]

Thanks guys!

[BlueMountain]

I did it for awhile when I was a teenager. It felt good. My parents told me it could lead to arthritis in old age. I stopped. Sometimes I'd still like to. One of my sons does. When he does I want to. I hear that doctors are no longer sure that it will harm your hands. But it's considered low-class behavior, like passing gas loudly, and it's DEFINITELY not the way to get the girls. So if you care about having friends who aren't low-lifes, give it up. Try spreading your fingers as far apart as you can once in awhile when no one is looking. The feeling is similar, but it's silent. Or pass gas quietly. I knew an anesthesiologist who did that. We called him the gas-passer.

[Brandon Flynn]

I look at it very simply, a popping noise does not sound like it should be good for you. And a cracking noise seems worse. I don't pop my knuckles or crack my back, because my basic reasoning goes against it. But I doubt it could affect you too much (is it affect or effect in that case, I never remember).

[Chris Travers]

Thanks!

[Steve Davis]

Any mando-chiropracters care to weigh in?

[Steve Davis]

Any mando-chiropracters care to weigh in?

[Wheel Man]

So how many of you old timers remember the Stanley Brothers song "Finger Popping Time"? #I don't think Carter and Ralph really popped their fingers however. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Alex Fields]

I've heard from a doctor that it isn't bad for you, and they gave an explanation of why it makes that sound and everything but I don't remember it. I know as many females who have the habit as males, and I don't know of anyone who considers it a lowlife habit.

[man dough nollij]

I've heard (I think from Dr. Dean Edell on the radio) that the noise generated from popping your knuckles is from gas bubbles in the fluid in your joints. When you stress your knuckles, it compresses the fluid, then when it decompresses, the bubbles of gas in the fluid make a popping sound, the same way an uncorked bottle of champagne makes a "pop". Like a lot of cafe dwellers, I did this in my youth, and gave it up as an obnoxious habit. I think back cracking is a little more insidious-- the more I do it, the more I need to do it, so I just say no.