By Jessica Nguyen, Staff Writer
Your fingers begin to bend back until a loud, satisfying popping sound breaks the silence around you. As you tilt your head for a second round, your body begins to feel relaxed. You begin to wonder: what causes this sound and is it bad for you?
What causes that cracking sound?
According to Scientific American, the sound of your bones cracking comes from nitrogen and carbon dioxide bubbles bursting in the synovial fluid between your bones. The synovial fluid works as a lubricant and a source of nutrients for the cells around your joints. To crack your bones, your joints need room so gases in the synovial fluid escape to increase the volume and mobility of the joint.
Another explanation could be coming from your tendons or ligaments near a joint. Tendons cross one or more joints causing you to move when a joint shifts. A sudden snap can be heard when the tendon changes position. These cracking noises are most often heard in the knee or ankle joints from standing up or going up or down the stairs.
Does cracking your bones reduce stress?
Cracking your bones always makes you feel less tense, but sorry to burst your carbon dioxide bubble because it doesn’t. When you crack your bones, the gases in the synovial fluid escape, which usually takes 20 minutes to reform. During these 20 minutes, you may feel looser as the bubbles begin to reform in the fluid. This satisfaction, however, is only psychological and is often a habit for many people. If you do feel less tense, it’s probably just from stretching.
Is cracking your bones bad for you?
Dr. Robert Klapper, orthopedic surgeon and co-director of the Joint Replacement Program answers the big, burning question: cracking your knuckles is not bad for you and it doesn’t cause arthritis. There is no evidence that cracking your bones leads to swelling or weakness later in life. However, if you begin to experience symptoms like pain, swelling and limited motion; your joints may be damaged. If you already have arthritis or weakened joints, cracking your bones could make your condition worse. If not, feel free to continue!
Even though cracking your bones doesn’t causes arthritis, it is important to remember that moderation is key. Cracking your bones every twenty minutes can cause cartilage to wear out, leading to pain or tears, especially in the back.
Alternatives
If you are suddenly scared of cracking your bones, stretching and exercising are safe alternatives to feel less stressed; warm showers help your muscles relax as well!
Since we cracked this mystery, carry on cracking your bones, fellow Barons!
