Snap, Crackle, Pop

Do you ever wonder why your body makes all those creaky noises? You know, the snap, crackle and pop you sometimes hear eminating from your knees, shoulders, wrists, or wherever else. What causes that? Interested to find out, I started my search. And thanks to the rapid retrival of a Google search, I had my answer in about 3 seconds.

On Men's Health's website, I came across a recently published article explaining why our bodies make these sounds and what health implications, if any, they may signal.

Here's what the article had to say.

SNAP

This sound is the result of friction between two structures (such as tendons) gliding past each other. If the snapping body part (usually the hip, ankle, or shoulder blade) doesn't hurt, don't worry about it. But if the area also feels stiff or tight, the tendons are constricted and could benefit from regular stretching.

CRACKLE

Most cracking sounds are the result of a vacuum being created between two joint surfaces and then releasing (like the noise a wet glass makes when you lift it off a table). Contrary to popular lore, cracking your joints has not been proved to cause damage. In fact, it actually relaxes the muscles surrounding the joint, improving joint movement and reducing pain. Just don't do it too often, or you'll overstretch the joints, making them unstable and injury prone.

POP

In most cases, popping occurs when a joint dislocates and then pops back into place. The danger is that one day it may not go back where it belongs, and the very movement may also irritate tissue around the joint (an especially common problem in the shoulder socket). Rule out exercises that may be causing damage, such as behind-the-neck pulldowns and shoulder presses. Strengthen the rotator cuffs with exercises such as external rotations, but also see a physical therapist for treatment.