Back Cracking: Understanding the Popping Sound

Are there benefits to back cracking, risks, and how can it be done safely?

Back Cracking

Back cracking is intentionally applying pressure or twisting movements, producing a popping or cracking sound in the spine. Back cracking involves stretching or extending the spine. In most cases, it is considered safe when done gently as it can provide temporary relief from back pain and stiffness by:

• Stretching the ligaments and muscles around the spine
• Releasing gas bubbles that may be causing pressure
• Improving joint mobility

Mechanism of Action

• Cracking your back creates small gas bubbles in the synovial fluid (the lubricating fluid in the joints).
• These bubbles form when the pressure in the joints is suddenly released, causing a popping or cracking sound.

It is generally safe, but there are certain conditions under which individuals should avoid cracking their backs.

Popping Sound

Research has used a new type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cine MRI, to study the noise source. Cine MRI produces moving images.

• This study using this MRI found that the formation of bubbles makes a popping sound.
• The popping sound does not come from the popping of bubbles in the synovial fluid, as previously believed. (Kawchuk G. N. et al., 2015)
• When someone cracks their back, the force pulls the joint’s bones apart, causing the pressure within the joint to drop and form a bubble, eventually dissipating. (Kawchuk G. N. et al., 2015)

Crepitus

• Crepitus is the medical term for cracking or popping noise from joints.
• It is not a condition or disease but can be a symptom of one.
• Other terms include clicking or crunching.

Is It Safe To Perform Daily?

Back cracking once a day is generally considered safe. But if it causes pain or swelling, then stop and contact a healthcare provider. If someone feels the need to crack their back more throughout the day, it could be a sign that they need to see a professional chiropractic healthcare provider. (AICA Orthopedics, 2022) Individuals may crack their backs to address certain conditions or to relieve various discomfort symptoms that can include: (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2025)

• Headache
• Neck pain
• Lower back pain
• Sciatica

Individuals may often experience mild side effects like headache, stiffness, or pain. These side effects tend to resolve within a day. Though back cracking can provide temporary relief for some conditions, some serious side effects like neurological problems or strokes have been reported. (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2025)

Stretches and Movements

When someone needs to crack their back, they can perform a spine stretch. Here are a couple of stretches and movements. (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2022)

Sitting Rotation Stretch

• Sit on the floor with both legs straight.
• Cross the right foot over the left leg.
• Rotate the upper body to the right side and press against the right knee with the left elbow.
• Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and come back to the center.
• Repeat on the other side.

Knee to Chest

• Lie flat on the ground.
• Lift one leg and bring the knee to the chest, pulling the knee in with your hands.
• Hold for five seconds.
• Repeat with the other leg.

Several back-cracking assistive devices, such as poles and wheels, are available. Talk to a healthcare provider to determine the right type and ensure it is safe for you and your condition or injury.

Individuals Who Should Avoid Back Cracking

Back cracking can cause additional stress or damage to the joints in those with back injuries or other conditions. Individuals with these conditions should avoid back cracking (AICA Orthopedics, 2022)

• Numbness or tingling of the arms or legs.
• Osteoporosis
• Spinal cancer
• Spinal abnormalities
• Individuals who have a high stroke risk.

A Professional Back Adjustment

A chiropractor is a healthcare provider who specializes in spine and spinal adjustments. They adjust the spine and other areas of the body to correct misalignment problems, reduce and relieve pain, and allow the body to recover independently. (National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus, 2023) The chiropractor will take a health history to learn about previous injuries and conditions. Then, they will evaluate the patient and determine the best course of action. Although a chiropractor performs spinal adjustments, they may also incorporate other treatments, including: (National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus, 2023)

• Stretching
• Non-surgical decompression and traction
• Acupuncture
• Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
• Exercise routines
• Heat
• Ice
• Electrical stimulation
• Dietary supplements
• Nutrition and lifestyle counseling

Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.

Chiropractic Secrets

References

Kawchuk, G. N., Fryer, J., Jaremko, J. L., Zeng, H., Rowe, L., & Thompson, R. (2015). Real-time visualization of joint cavitation. PloS one, 10(4), e0119470. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119470

AICA Orthopedics. (2022). Is cracking your back bad? aica.com/is-cracking-your-back-bad/

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2025). Spinal manipulation: what you need to know. Retrieved from www.nccih.nih.gov/health/spinal-manipulation-what-you-need-to-know

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (2022). Spine conditioning program. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/spine-conditioning-program/

National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.  (2023). Chiropractic. Retrieved from medlineplus.gov/chiropractic.html