Why does my back crack all the time?

Question

My back is cracking all the time. Whenever I stretch it, stand up from a squat or even just getting up from bed, there is always the annoying sound of cracking and popping. What is the matter? Should I seek medical help?

Answer 1

I believe that most people have had the same kind of experience with their back at some point of their life. Most of the time, it is totally normal and harmless. The medical world doesn’t yet have a conclusive answer as to exactly how the cracking sound comes out. It could either be the collision of cartilages and bones or the bursting of gas bubbles in the joint capsules. But one thing is certain: even the healthiest back could give out the cracking sound, which usually makes people annoyed, or, in some cases, fretted. Most of the time, however, it’s just a false alarm. You should only get worried if you start to feel pain in your lumbar area or even if you don’t feel any pain but your spine sections keep getting cracked or popped out regularly. If that is your case, then I suggest you to go through a complete medical check. There could be some issues with your spinal discs.

Answer 2

I don’t know what exactly your condition is. But my personal experience tells me that whenever you start to ask such questions as why does my back crack all the time, your back is usually in real trouble. My back used to crack all the time as well, and as it turned out, I had fractured my L4 and L5 spinal discs. That sucks, and my doctor was suggesting a back surgery. I refused and started to find out my own way to recovery. And now, as a man in his forties that can still squat 400+ lbs, I can tell you the best way to take care of your back is definitely weight-lifting or some other exercises that can build up your back muscles. Even if you actually don’t have any real problems with your back, I still recommend you to train at gym at least twice a week, especially with exercises like hyperextension that specifically aim at strengthening the lower back, which would greatly reduce the possibility of back injuries in the future.