5 reasons why your back might crack so much when you twist

There are a few physical processes that may explain why your back is cracking so much. Often, it’s because of gas bubbles popping inside the tiny joints in the spine. It could also be stiff tendons or ligaments moving across the surface of a bone. If this happens only occasionally and it’s not painful, then it’s probably not a cause for concern. 

If your back cracking is painful, if it happens a lot, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, you may have a treatable condition. A physical therapist can help you determine the likely cause and provide treatments that may help.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about five potential reasons why your back may be cracking and how to know when you should see a physical therapist. 

5 reasons why your back might crack so much when you twist

Cracking in your back is one symptom that can have many potential explanations. The medical term for it is crepitus. Some people may experience it more than others because of the shape of their spine or conditions that affect the joints and connective tissue. People who are older may have more cracking in their back and joints because of age-related wear and tear. 

There are a few signs that might tell you it’s time to see a physical therapist for an assessment. If you’re noticing cracking in your spine all the time, or if it’s painful, you should seek an assessment. Damage to different components of your spinal joints and injuries that affect how they function can cause popping, stiffness, and locking in one position. There are therapies and treatments that may help improve these symptoms and relieve pain.

The following are five of the most common causes of back cracking:

1. Gas release from joint capsules — Gas bubbles can naturally build up inside your joints. When you make certain movements, those bubbles will make an audible pop. This process is called cavitation. It happens to everyone from time to time. You might feel a slight snapping sensation, and it might feel like a release of pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt. 

2. Movement of tendons and ligaments across bone — When tendons and ligaments are tight or tense, they can make a popping sound. This happens when they shift against the surface of a bone. You might feel some stiffness or soreness, but again, this shouldn’t cause pain.

3. Joint hypermobility — Joint hypermobility is sometimes referred to as “double jointedness.” It means your joints are very flexible, and they may hyperextend or “pop” in and out of place. It can be a sign of a condition like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or a connective tissue disorder. For most people, joint hypermobility isn’t associated with other issues. You may need to wear a brace to support your joints during certain activities.

4. Age-related changes in joint structures — Cartilage inside the joints may wear down with age, causing a grinding or cracking sensation. If you do the same repetitive movements for long periods of time, this can change the shape of your bones and the surfaces inside affected joints. As a result, you might start to have soreness and notice more popping. 

5. Previous injuries or developing dysfunction — Old injuries such as bone fractures, sprains and ligament tears can cause popping or grinding later on. Popping can also be a sign that your joint is irritated or you’re developing an injury. This is more likely if you’re noticing popping consistently, if the joint locks up, or if you feel pain in the area.

See a physical therapist at KC Rehab to find out what’s causing your back cracking

To some degree, cracking in your spine and other joints is normal. It may even feel satisfying to crack your back after you’ve been in one position for too long. Maybe you’ve cracked your back after being hunched over in front of a computer, sitting in a car or lying down for an extended period. It can catch you by surprise if the popping is particularly loud or if several vertebrae pop at one time. 

If the cracking in your back is painful, if it comes with other symptoms, or if you feel like it’s unusual, a physical therapist may be able to help. They’ll begin with an in-depth assessment to narrow down the likely cause. Then they’ll provide some education on what’s happening and talk with you about your treatment options. They may also have some ideas on things you can do at home to relieve pain and dysfunction in your back. 

At KC Rehab, we provide personalized treatments to help you feel your best so you can keep doing the things you love. If pain, dysfunction and cracking in your spine are getting in the way of certain activities, our caring staff can help you find out what’s happening and what treatments may help.

Are you ready to find out if physical therapy is right for you? Contact our team for more information or to schedule an initial appointment today.