Is Cracking Your Fingers, Lower Back and Neck Harmful?

A cracking sound, medically known as crepitus, may be heard in different joints such as the fingers, lower back, neck and knees. However, the reason for this sound is not the same in every joint.

Cracking the joints, or “popping” them as it is commonly called, is a movement many people make unconsciously in daily life. During this movement, a “pop” or “crack” sound may be heard from the joints.

In some people, this movement may create a feeling of relief; however, this relief is temporary and does not provide a permanent benefit to the musculoskeletal system.

Is Cracking Your Fingers, Lower Back and Neck Harmful?

A cracking sound does not always mean a harmful condition. The sound heard in the fingers and small joints is often related to gas bubbles appearing with sudden pressure changes inside the joint. In the lower back, neck and upper back, the source of the sound may sometimes be the joint surfaces and sometimes the movement of muscles and connective tissues.

Therefore, cracking the fingers and cracking the lower back or neck should not be evaluated in exactly the same way. Sudden and uncontrolled movements, especially in the lower back and neck region, may aggravate existing musculoskeletal problems.

Why Do Fingers and Small Joints Crack?

Medically, this condition occurs when gas bubbles in the synovial fluid inside the joint capsule appear or collapse due to a sudden pressure change. This fluid is a protective fluid that facilitates joint movement and nourishes the cartilage.

When the joint surfaces suddenly separate during the cracking movement, the pressure inside the joint decreases and carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen gas bubbles are rapidly released. This sudden gas release causes the characteristic “pop” sound.

Is Cracking Fingers and Small Joints Harmful?

Scientific studies show that cracking the fingers and small joints does not cause joint calcification, also known as osteoarthritis. This condition is temporary and usually harmless. However, when this movement becomes a habit, over time the following may be seen:

• Loosening of the joint capsule,
• Stretching of the connective tissues,
• Mild swelling or a feeling of weakness.

In addition, if pain, locking or a catching sensation occurs during cracking, the possibility that intra-articular structures such as ligaments, tendons or cartilage may be affected should be evaluated.

Why Do the Lower Back, Neck and Upper Back Crack?

The “pop” sound in these regions generally occurs due to short-term positional changes in the facet joints or relaxation of muscles and connective tissues. Sometimes this sound does not come from gas bubbles, but from the movement of musculoskeletal structures.

Sudden movements performed incorrectly may lead to problems such as:

• herniated disc,
• nerve compression,
• muscle spasm.

For this reason, self-cracking the lower back and neck region is not recommended. When needed, a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or Orthopedics and Traumatology specialist should be consulted.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Medical evaluation is important if joint sounds are accompanied by the following complaints:

• Pain or tenderness in the joint,
• Swelling, redness or increased warmth,
• Limitation of movement,
• Locking or catching sensation,
• Numbness, tingling or weakness,
• Joint sound that begins after trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Harvard Health Publishing. Does cracking knuckles cause arthritis?
2. Cleveland Clinic. What To Know About Joint Noises
3. Cleveland Clinic. Is Cracking Your Neck Bad for You?