[James J.]

Why do joints occasionally pop and crack when they are flexed? What causes the noise?

User Detail :  

Name : James J., Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Episcopalian, Age : 50, City : Laguna Beach, State : CA Country : United States, Occupation : Attorney, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Upper class, 

[Jerome-F-McAndrews]

DIRECTOR'S NOTE: Y? contacted chiropractor Jerome F. McAndrews, national spokesman for the American Chiropractic Association in Arlington, VA. Here is his response:

When the surface of one joint is moved rather rapidly along the surface of the joint with which it is articulating, it theoretically breaks a vacuum that is present between the two surfaces, which are wet with a lubricating fluid (in normal joint tissues). This rapid change in the internal pressure in the joint causes the audible sound - or cavitation - to occur; a 'pop,' if you will. It is most often heard when a person 'cracks' his/her knuckles. The same principle is at work in a spinal joint. The sound is indicative of motion having been produced between the two surfaces of the articulation.

User Detail :  

Name : Jerome-F-McAndrews, Gender : M, City : Arlington, State : VA Country : United States, Occupation : Spokesman, American Chiropractic Association, 

[David W.]

So, is this "popping" of the fingers and knuckles actually bad for you?

User Detail :  

Name : David W., Gender : M, Age : 21, City : London, State : NA Country : United Kingdom, Occupation : Student, Education level : 4 Years of College, 

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