Have you ever stood up after being seated for a long time, and you can feel your spine crack as you move? What about when you stretch after waking up? Hearing and feeling the cracking of your spine may be alarming to you, but in many cases this is completely normal.
At Yashar Neurosurgery, it’s our job to help your spine stay fit and healthy. Therefore, we like to inform our patients when a creak or crack in the spine is cause for alarm. It is most likely a normal bodily function, but there can sometimes be other causes of back cracking that you should be aware of. Below, we will discuss some of the ways in which your spine can crack, and whether or not it merits concern.
Common Back Cracks
The spine will crack naturally due to the nature of its movements. When you stretch or turn in a certain direction, gas bubbles can form in between the joints of your spine. These gas bubbles then pop, which is what causes the cracking sound and sensation.
When you move around, you are constantly changing the level of pressure in between each vertebra in your spine. This means that lots of bubbles will form throughout the course of your day, causing it to crack.
This is completely normal and never cause for concern. If your back cracks for other reasons, though, you may want to schedule a consultation with our certified neurosurgery experts.
Uncommon Back Cracks
If the cracking in your back is painful or more intense than you’re used to, there could be an additional reason why this is happening. This may include:
- Damaged cartilage or ligament. Tight muscles force your ligaments to work harder to move around, and this can cause them to rub against your bones or cartilage, causing a popping sound and sensation. Stretching your muscles more often may be a good way to prevent this from happening too frequently.
- Deteriorated cartilage. Cartilage is a substance softer than bone that fits in between each of your bones, preventing them from touching each other. If the cartilage is worn down or deteriorated, your bones will rub against each other and cause an array of pops that may be loud or feel painful.
Keep an Ear Out for Abnormal Popping Sounds
There’s a way to determine whether the popping from your spine is a normal, natural sensation, or whether it is cause for concern. Abnormal sounds are usually ones that are repeated often or may be louder than usual. They are also almost always associated with swelling, pain, and fluid buildup.
It is especially important to identify whether these abnormal sounds and feelings are coming from a place in your spine that has suffered from an injury. Damage, fractures, or other signs of injury can exacerbate the symptoms of your popping spine. If you feel that this is the case for you, it is imperative that you make an appointment with your local spine specialist as soon as possible.
Get a Top Neurosurgery Consultation Today!
If you are feeling even the slightest discomfort in your spine, or you are concerned about the way your back is popping, you can schedule a consultation with us right away. You can get in touch with our friendly experts by contacting us online or by giving us a call at (424) 361-0923.
