If you've ever cracked your knuckles or stretched after a long sleep, you’re probably familiar with the sound of popping joints. But what causes this sound, and is it dangerous for your health? Below are answers to these questions, as well as some ways a chiropractic physician can help with joint pain issues.

Why Your Joints Pop

There are three main reasons why joints tend to produce a popping sound. The first is from escaping gases. A fluid containing carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen provides natural lubrication for the joints. When a joint stretches, some of these gases escape quickly, creating a pop. Once the joint returns to its normal position, the liquid takes some time to replenish its gas supply, which is why you often cannot "pop" a joint twice in rapid succession.

The movements of ligaments and tendons can also produce popping. Ligaments tighten with joint movement, which sometimes makes a popping sound. The position of a tendon moves when the joint moves, and it can pop when it snaps back into place. Finally, arthritis can cause joint popping. One of the hallmarks of the condition is less smooth cartilage between the joints. When the rougher joint surfaces interact with one another, they make a noise.

How Joint Popping Affects Your Health

When popping results from escaping gases or ligament and tendon movement, it is rarely cause for concern. These are normal bodily responses. However, if pain accompanies the sound — as it often does with arthritis — have a chiropractic physician check it out. There's also a possibility that repeated, long-term knuckle cracking can damage the soft tissues of the hand, another issue with which a chiropractic physician can help.

Chiropractors gently manipulate soft tissues to relieve pain and stop muscle spasms. Manipulations can also increase joint function, loosen muscles, and increase your range of motion. Other chiropractic treatments that can help joint pain include ultrasounds, electrotherapy, and laser therapy.

At The Chiropractic & Sports Injury Center of Cincinnati, chiropractic physician Mark A. Korchok provides relief for joint and musculoskeletal pain and sports injuries. Since 1988, he and his team have been serving the Cincinnati, OH, area, offering a variety of treatments that include spinal decompression, rehabilitation and exercise, and the Cox and Graston Techniques. Call (513) 677-2200 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.