Is the Ring Dinger Dangerous? Risks You Should Know: Is the ring dinger dangerous, ring dinger reddit

The Ring Dinger isn’t inherently dangerous when done by a qualified chiropractor who properly screens patients. However, like any spinal manipulation, it does carry risks – especially if you have certain health conditions or if it’s performed incorrectly.

Last updated: 22 June 2025 | 12-minute read

Okay, let’s be real for a second. If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or YouTube lately, you’ve probably seen those intense chiropractic videos where someone gets strapped to a table and their chiropractor gives them what looks like the adjustment of a lifetime.

The sound alone is enough to make you wince, right?

That dramatic “CRACK” followed by the patient’s relieved (or sometimes shocked) expression has millions of people asking the same question: Is the Ring Dinger actually dangerous, or does it just look terrifying?

I get it. As someone who’s spent way too much time diving into Ring Dinger Reddit threads and watching these viral videos, I was curious too. So I decided to dig deep into the research, talk to actual chiropractors, and separate the facts from the fear-mongering.

Here’s everything you need to know about Ring Dinger safety – the good, the bad, and the stuff that might surprise you.

What Exactly Is the Ring Dinger? {#what-is-ring-dinger}

First things first – “Ring Dinger” isn’t actually a medical term. It’s basically a catchy nickname that stuck after Dr. Gregory Johnson (a Houston chiropractor) made it famous on social media.

The technical name? Y-Strap spinal decompression or axial traction adjustment.

Here’s how it works:

• You lie flat on a special chiropractic table
• A Y-shaped strap goes around the back of your head
• The chiropractor gives a quick, controlled pull toward your feet
• Your spine gets stretched along its length
• That satisfying “pop” happens when gas releases from your joints

Think of it like someone giving your entire spine a really intense stretch all at once. The goal is to create space between your vertebrae, which can potentially help with:

• Chronic back pain
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Sciatica nerve pain
• Herniated or bulging discs
• General spinal compression issues

Sounds pretty straightforward, right? So why all the drama?

Why People Think It’s Scary (And I Don’t Blame Them) {#why-scary}

Look, I’ll be the first to admit – watching a Ring Dinger adjustment for the first time is… intense. Here’s why it freaks people out:

The Visual Factor

When you see someone’s head being yanked with what looks like significant force, your brain immediately goes to “OH NO, THAT CAN’T BE GOOD.” It’s a natural reaction.

That Sound Though

The crack is LOUD. Like, really loud. And if you don’t know that it’s just gas bubbles popping (similar to cracking your knuckles, but amplified), it can sound like something’s breaking.

Your Neck Looks Vulnerable

Let’s face it – having someone pull on your head when your spine contains, you know, your spinal cord and major arteries feels risky. Our protective instincts kick in hard.

Social Media Drama

The Ring Dinger videos that go viral are usually the most dramatic ones. Nobody’s sharing the boring, uneventful adjustments. This creates a skewed perception of what typically happens.

The Reddit Effect

Spend five minutes in Ring Dinger Reddit discussions and you’ll find everything from “It changed my life!” to “This looks like medieval torture.” The comment sections can be… overwhelming.

But here’s the thing – just because something looks scary doesn’t mean it actually is. (Though it doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe either.)

Real Ring Dinger Risks You Should Actually Worry About {#real-risks}

Alright, let’s talk facts. Like any medical procedure – yes, even getting your teeth cleaned – the Ring Dinger does come with potential risks and side effects.

The Common Stuff (Happens to Some People)

Temporary soreness – This is probably the most common Ring Dinger side effect. Think post-workout muscle soreness, but in your spine. Usually goes away within 24-48 hours.

Mild headaches – Some people get a temporary headache after cervical (neck) adjustments. Not fun, but not dangerous.

Brief muscle spasms – Your muscles might tense up initially as they adjust to the new positioning.

Short-term pain increase – Weird, I know, but sometimes you might feel worse before you feel better as your body adapts.

The Serious Stuff (Rare but Real)

Now, here’s where we need to get serious. While extremely uncommon, there are some Ring Dinger injury risks that you should know about:

Vertebral artery dissection – This is a tear in one of the arteries in your neck that can potentially lead to stroke. It’s the scariest risk, but studies show it’s incredibly rare (we’re talking about 1 in 5.85 million manipulations).

Disc herniation – In very rare cases, the adjustment could worsen an existing disc problem or potentially cause a new one.

Nerve damage – Possible but extremely uncommon when proper screening is done.

Spinal cord injury – The most serious potential risk, but again, exceptionally rare with proper technique and patient selection.

Here’s the key point: The risk isn’t really about the Ring Dinger technique itself – it’s about who’s doing it and whether you’re a good candidate for it.

Who Should Never Get a Ring Dinger (Seriously, Don’t Risk It) {#who-should-avoid}

This is crucial. A responsible chiropractor will never perform a Ring Dinger on certain patients. You should avoid it if you have:

This is why proper screening is absolutely non-negotiable. Any chiropractor who wants to do a Ring Dinger without thoroughly checking your medical history and possibly doing X-rays first is not someone you want touching your spine.

How to Stay Safe (Your Ring Dinger Safety Checklist) {#stay-safe}

Want to minimize Ring Dinger risks? Here’s your game plan:

Ring Dinger Benefits vs. Risks: The Real Talk

Let me break this down in simple terms:

Bottom line: For the right person, done by the right practitioner, the benefits can outweigh the risks. For the wrong person or in the wrong hands, it’s not worth the gamble.

My Final Take: Is the Ring Dinger Worth It?

After diving deep into this topic, here’s my honest assessment:

The Ring Dinger isn’t inherently dangerous – but it’s not something to take lightly either. It’s a powerful technique that can provide significant relief for some people, but it requires:

1. The right candidate (thorough screening is essential)
2. The right practitioner (experience and proper training matter)
3. The right expectations (it’s not magic, and it doesn’t work for everyone)

If you’re dealing with chronic spinal issues and other treatments haven’t helped, it might be worth exploring – but only with a qualified professional who takes safety seriously.

FAQ: Your Ring Dinger Questions Answered {#faq}