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Cracking, Creaking Joints

Dr. Levi Merritt DC, NBC-HWC, CPT

As a Chiropractor, I get a lot of questions about joint ‘cracking’ or ‘popping.’ Is it good, indifferent, harmful?


The medical term for joint popping is called ‘joint cavitation.’ Joint cavitation occurs most often when we deliberately crack our knuckles. Some individuals are able to crack many joints, including the back, neck, knees, shoulders, etc…


The ease in which a person can crack their joints appears to be linked to an individual’s natural joint laxity. Barring any disease or serious trauma, this joint laxity is a genetically predetermined.


Contrary to popular belief, several research studies have demonstrated zero correlation between joint cracking and arthritis, or any joint disorders for that matter.


Until recently, scientists have been unsure about the exact physical mechanism that causes the popping sound. It was previously suspected that built up gases inside of the synovial fluid of a joint would rapidly collapse when the joint surfaces changed positions.


A 2015 study by Kawchuk et al. utilized real time magnetic resonance imaging to visualize joint cavitation. In this study, ten metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) joints were viewed as they were distracted up until the point of joint ‘popping’. The imaging showed a cavity being created, not collapsing, in association with the popping noise.


What does all this mean for the layperson? Is joint popping good or bad?


Honestly, it’s nothing much to worry about.


The advice I received years ago from a Chiropractor is still the same advice I deliver to patients today. If a joint pops, and there is no pain associated with it, then don’t worry. If pain is associated with a popping noise, then get it checked out by a doctor. A popping sound in conjunction with pain could be the result of a ligament or tendon tear, joint dislocation, or even fracture.


Joints that ‘snap’ repeatedly are usually indicative of a muscle or tendon rolling over a structure, similar to that of snapping a rubber band across a surface. Usually this isn’t a problem. Repeated snapping may cause irritation over time, but usually heals without complication when the movement is stopped.


Some patients complain of a grinding or grating noise, especially in the neck, that occurs with certain movements. The medical term for this sound is called joint crepitus. In a joint, crepitus is typically produced when the joints outer cartilaginous surface becomes dry and rough. The rubbing of a rough surface against another produces the sound. Crepitus can start or go away for no apparent reason, and usually doesn’t cause any problems.


When it comes to cracking your own joints, I do recommend using caution. Popping your own knuckles appears relatively harmless. Popping your back, neck, and other joints is ok if you are simply taking your joints slowly through their natural range of motion, e.g., stretching.


Any quick, jerky, or rotational movements should be avoided. This type of movement predisposes the joints to injury. Chiropractors and other manual therapists that perform high velocity low amplitude manipulations undergo extensive training in these techniques.


If you would like more information, feel free to call (304-840-2820) or stop by the office. No appointments are necessary, and consultations are free. You can also email me at DocLeviChiropractic@yahoo.com.


Yours in Health,

Dr. Levi G. Merritt, D.C., CPT, CHC

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