Kathleen from Augusta asks, "What is the snapping or cracking sound of bones and is it a problem?"

The snapping, also called cavitation, is a deep throaty sound that occurs mostly inside the joints. A joint is made up of the ends of two or more bones held together by ligaments and wrapped up in a sleeve called the synovial membrane. Inside the synovial membrane is fluid that acts as a lubricant. Under normal conditions, the joint space is a vacuum. When the joint is moved there can be a release of gas inside the joint. The gas is mainly nitrogen. When the gas is released it makes that snapping sound. It is not bone cracking or ligament tearing.

The body constantly undergoes a process called homeostasis. This basically means staying in a steady state. For example, your body, when healthy, keeps your temperature at 98.6. Sweating cools you when you’re hot and shivering produces heat when you are cold. These are some of the process your body uses to maintain homeostasis. Other examples of homeostasis include keeping blood pressure and oxygen levels in your blood in the proper ranges.

The snapping your hear periodically is your body maintaining homeostasis within joints. If you hear the sound with normal body motion, it is generally of little concern. Many people usually notice an improved mobility in the joint in which the "snap" occurred. However, if you experience the sound while carrying something heavy, twisting an ankle or undergoing any other traumatic event, it is important to monitor the pain afterwards. If there is marked pain or swelling, this could be a serious injury and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Thank you for your question Kathleen.

Original publication The Town Line newspaper South China, ME 04358
Information contained herein furnished by Nadeau Chiropractic Wellness Center, 2135 N. Belfast Ave, Augusta, ME