Have you ever heard the crack sound and wondered, “Why does my spine crack so much?”. If you have faced this condition, here is a guide to help you understand the reason behind “Why does my spine crack so much?” and when you should start taking it seriously. Then, read further to get the answers to all your questions.
The cracking or popping sound that you experience in your spine is known as crepitus. It emerges from the joints but can also come from bursae, tendons or other tissues.
Depending on the case of origin, it is of two types:
- Crepitus by cavitation: The audible crack or pop sound heard while doing everyday activities or when the spine is bent to its extent. Cavitations may be caused due to exercise or motion. It can also be prompted by a chiropractor or osteopathic doctor. It is generally not a cause of concern and normal.
- Arthritic crepitus: While moving, if you have felt a snap or click in your spine or any other joint, it is caused due to wear and tear of the joints.
So next time, you think, “ Why does my lower back crack so much?” Consider visiting a specialist. At Ujala Cygnus Central Hospital, our doctors would answer every query from “ Why does my spine crack so much?” to the exact treatment.
Type of sound and its source of origin:
The most common sounds in the sine arise due to motion of the spine, either in the forward motion or bending back to the maximum limit. Here is a list of joints and the sound produced by them:
- Facet joint capsule: Cavitation in the facet joint( vertebrae joints) produces a crack sound. It is due to bubbles collapsing or formation in the joints because of air pressure variation. The sound is similar to the knuckle-cracking sound. It does not indicate injury or arthritis.
- Facet joint: It is due to damaged cartilage in the facet joints due to arthritis. The surface of facet joints becomes rough and can no longer move smoothly, resulting in grating crepitus in the joint. Severe facet arthritis can cause bone on bone grinding.
- Connective tissue: Spasm in the vertebrae, roughening of tendons and adhesion of connective tissues cause a snapping or grating crepitus while moving. It is produced due to stretching and moving back to a normal position.
- Disc: If a click like the sound is produced, it is produced due to the movement of disc fragments in the spinal facet joint.
Crepitus can also occur due to limited movement of the facet joints due to increased laxity and instability. The reason for your question, “ Why does my back crack so much?” worsens with increasing age.
When is spine cracking a matter of concern?
Spine cracking may be normal or a matter of concern. Here is a guide to help you find out why your back cracks so much:
- Normal joint cracking: It occurs as a crack or pop while general movements. The following are the characteristic of normal joint cracks:
- Painless and might occur again in the joint.
- It can occur again after a few minutes. The period varies from person to person.
The repeated sound may occur during movement or while you are at rest.
The normal joint crepitus brings some anatomical changes in the joint such as:
- A gap in the joint surfaces.
- Breakage of connective tissue adhesion of the joint surfaces.
- Arouse sensation of nerves and muscles surrounding the joint.
- Enhancement in the range of motion of the joint.
The normal joint crack sound is more prevalent in men.
- Abnormal joint sounds
These are the characteristics of abnormal joints sound:
- It is accompanied by inflammation, pain, accumulation of fluid and a history of the previous injury.
- It is caused due to degeneration, damage of soft tissues surrounding the joint, fracture, and previous surgery.
- The frequency of abnormal joint sounds is more and does not have a refractory period.
If you are still doubtful and want a satisfactory and exact answer for your question, “Why does my lower back crack so much?” you should seek medical advice. So you may consider visiting Ujala Cygnus Hospital to get all your spine or joint-related problems.
