If your spine makes cracking sounds, here are a few pointers to help you figure out if the sound is normal or a cause for concern. Normal sounds are usually felt as an audible crack or pop when you move. Typical characteristics of normal spinal joint sounds are:. A repeat sound can be produced if you are stationary or even if you are constantly moving your back.
This type of sound is usually more common in men. If you are in doubt or if your back-cracking sound is associated with pain, it is advised to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Intermittent and painless cracking is usually normal and not a cause for concern. Causes of Neck Cracking and Grinding Sounds.
Symptoms of Arthritis of the Spine. Facet Joint Disorders and Back Pain. This isn't the same kind of gas that escapes from your body after you've had a ton of beans or protein bars This gas comes from a lubricant inside your joints known as synovial fluid , which helps give nutrients to the cartilage in your joints to help them glide smoothly.
When you apply force to your joints, pressure can build up and turn into dissolved gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. The thinking is that these gases shift—and emit a cracking noise as they dissipate—when you do an extreme stretch , Dr.
Anand says. The gas actually shows up on X-rays and MRIs, and your surrounding tissues quickly reabsorb it after you crack your back, Lisa A.
DeStefano, D. However, a buzzy study in PLOS One examined MRIs of knuckles cracking and argued that the cracking actually happens when a gas-filled cavity forms as the joints stretch, not when the gas bubbles themselves collapse.
Either way, having loose ligaments and tendons may play a role, too, since people who have tight ligaments and tendons typically aren't able to shift in ways that allow them to actually "crack" their back, Dr. There are also some less widely believed theories that have nothing to do with these gases, like that the cracking sound is actually your ligaments and tendons shifting after you apply force to your body, or that it happens because you don't have much cartilage in the area that you "cracked," so your joints can't glide as smoothly as they should.
Whatever the mechanism behind cracking your back is, Dr. Anand says it likely applies to other areas you can crack, like your neck and knuckles. But what is very well established is that it feels ridiculously good and satisfying to do it. So, the next obvious question is: Do you need to be worried about cracking your back? The good news is that cracking your back is usually pretty innocuous.
Some of this can change and evolve as you age. For example, as you get older and the cartilage that helps your joints glide smoothly wears out, cracking your back can start to hurt, Dr.
Asghar says. That's a sign you should try to kick the habit before the situation becomes worse. The reason cracking your back feels so good is also up for debate.
Back pain is something most people will experience in their lifetime. Often, pain develops in the early stages of the disease.
Back support belts are used to reduce the risk of back injury and relieve pain in the short term. See why our top picks are highly rated and provide…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Should you be worried? A look at the spine. What are the risks? How to do it safely. The takeaway. Read this next. Can Massage Help with Sciatica? Medically reviewed by Brenda B. Spriggs, M.
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