As you go about your day, the air pressure in the joints change. And this causes bubbles to form inside the synovial fluid. Eventually, those bubbles pop. When that happens, it makes a cracking or popping sound. Your joints are meant to move. While the above is a common explanation for the sound, there are more causes for back popping.
Such as:. Your back popping may be a problem if it hurts or there is swelling. If you have back pain , you should contact your doctor. When speaking to your doctor, be sure to talk to them about how often your back cracks.
You should also talk to your doctor if the sounds are consistent whenever you move the joint, as there could be several problems specific to the joint. And if the cracking occurred after an injury , there may be joint problems. These problems could be due to changes inside the structure, like a fracture.
If you have experienced a recent trauma, make sure to mention that to your doctor. Your physician is like a detective. There is no consensus on what causes joints to crack or on the potential long-term effects of frequent back cracking. The mechanisms that cause joints to crack or grind can differ from person to person. There are three primary theories about why facet joints crack, pop, or grind:. After a joint is cracked, it can take about 20 minutes for it to be able to crack again.
Forcing the joint to crack again as it resets is not advised, as doing so can push the joint past its comfortable range and strain the surrounding ligaments. The exact mechanics of facet joint cracking and its possible effects are not fully understood. The effects of joint cracking likely vary due to individual differences in overall muscle and joint function. As a general rule, cracking the spinal joints does not cause pain or necessitate medical attention. Cracking the facet joints is known to provide temporary relief from low back stiffness or joint pressure.
More research is needed to identify any long-term benefits of back cracking. Manual manipulation , a common method of back and neck pain relief, may focus on adjusting the facet joints to provide a healing environment and reduce pain. These adjustments may create a cracking sound. The two types of crepitus include:. If the cracking noise isn't painful, and if it can be repeated in a few minutes, it's usually not harmful. Conversely, if there is pain associated when your back cracks, it's potentially something to be concerned about.
The sounds associated with painful back cracking are sometimes the result of damage to soft tissue, arthritis, or deterioration. If pain accompanies your back cracking, you should seek out medical attention. A spine specialist can help to diagnose and treat the underlying problem that may be causing your back to crack. All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Please see a healthcare professional for medical advice. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call and seek emergency help.
What is the Cracking Sound?
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