Expert: J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C. - 12/9/2008

Question
Hi,My name is Ursula Agnew, I am experiencing cracking and clicking in my bones all the time.  It's not always the joints it seems to be in the bones themselves ie my fore arm or shin bones, I do kickboxing twice a week which is really intense training.  I am a fully qualified masseuse and I have started my own business a few weeks ago, and my bones are clicking like mad, I find this very embarrassing and abnormal i've read on the internet that the cracking could be related to my body being over stressed.  Even if I breathe in deeply my back and neck would crack, is there anything I can take or do that make this go away?  Would regular massage treatments help?

Thankyou  Ursula

Answer
Hello U.,

I’ve had a busy week, so I apologize for the delayed response.  

Regarding your question, it is difficult to say exactly what is occurring or causing the popping sounds.  It’s particularly interesting that the popping sounds occur in the middle of the bone (or away from the joints).  Usually the popping sounds occur in a joint.  It’s somewhat debated as to what the popping is.  The most commonly accepted thought is that it’s a build up of gas that forms in the connective tissues or joints of the body.  As the gas builds up, it forms a bubble.  The bubble will grow enough to the point of releasing or “popping,” making a sound.  Or, if the tissue is placed in a position such that it allows the trapped gas bubble to escape it makes the popping sound.  It’s not researched much and doctors still debate as to what is actually occurring.  The reason why it’s not researched much is because it’s not really clinically significant.  If a patient goes to their doctor because of popping noises in their body, the doctor will not usually become concerned unless there is pain associated with it or it is getting significantly worse.  I find that patients who have increased popping and cracking in random areas of the body, commonly have old injuries in these areas.  These prior injuries heal by the formation of scar tissue.  

Since you have a history of aggressive kickboxing, I wonder if the popping sounds could be related to injuries from the kickboxing.  As your body heals these injuries, scar tissue forms.  Some people who get regular massage and chiropractic adjustments do find that the clicking, popping, and cracking noises in their body help remove the constant popping noises, and massage is great for breaking down excessive scar tissue.  It won’t hurt for you to try this avenue, not to mention the other health benefits associated with these treatments.  If you’re still concerned, there is pain associated with the popping, or it becomes progressively worse, you may want to go to your doctor.

I hope this helps clear things up, and best of luck!

Dr. J.R. Strecker, D.C.