Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 9/7/2007

Question
I woke up one morning, my back felt stiff, not in pain. So I usually stand in one place with my feet facing forward and turn my upper torso to the left and then to the right as far as I can. Didnt sound like a normal crack though...in all honesty it sounded like a machine gun!  

Answer
If tension was relieved, it probably wasn't a bad thing.  Your spine will "crack" and "pop" on it's own, normally.  Your body tries to keep things loose, and will do so no matter how it can.  We, as humans, have strayed from the norm when it comes to stretching.  Watch a dog or cat when they wake.  First thing they do is stretch!!!!  If you do not have a chiropractor, you may want to check with one.  He can best assess the state of the spine and muscles, and help determine if there is an underlying problem.