Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 10/16/2006

Question
Over the past few months my spine has been "popping" a lot, basically in the middle area of my spine. I can't think of any event that would have accounted for this starting up. It's not usually loud enough to hear, but I can feel it if I bend forward and then straighten up and particularly if I lie down and sit up. There is no pain or discomfort; it just feels strange. Does this sound like something I should have checked? Thank you!

Answer
Dear Roberta,

This sounds like nothing more than some hypermobility in the Facets (articulating surfaces of the spinal joints), most likely due to ligamentous laxity.  When the joint capsule loses some of its tension/elasticity, the facets can move more than normal.  Consequently, this movement will actually stretch the joint capsule more which allows for an escape of gas from the joint space.  When this gas escapes, it can make a popping noise called cavitiation.

This in itself is nothing to worry about, and is considered a normal physiological function of the joint. Nonetheless, over time, this hypermobility can create degeneration in the joint space which is termed osteoarthritis. Although this is not a good condition to have, it is not something that has immediate consequences.  It will however progress over the course of your lifetime if not addressed.

Now the location you have mentioned, in the middle of the spine, is not commonly where osteoarthritis causes problems...it is usually in the low back, or the neck.  Therefore, you may never have a problem with it.

What to do now:  I would start working on improving your standing and seated posture which will alleviate any abnormal stresses on the spine and will help imnprove muscle function.  

I would also think about including supplementation into your diet starting with a glucosamine sulfate/chondroitin sulfate/methylsulfonylmethane(MSM) supplement.  Dosage: 1500mg/1500mg/750mg per day.  In addition, omega three fatty acid supplementation will help to lower system wide inflammation in the body which will improve tissue healing etc...  You want a product that contains 50% of its composition from eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA).  The product must be pharmaceutically produced and mollecularly distilled for purity. Dosage: 2000mg-4000mg per day.  In addition, increase your intake of anti-oxidants (fruits and vegetables).  For more information on these nutrients, please read "Pain Free" by Dr. Luke Bucci, "The Omega RX Zone" by Dr. Barry Sears, and "Nutrition for Pain, Inflammation and Tissue Repair" by Dr. David Seaman.  The first two books are easy, quick reads.  The last book is more indepth and complex, but contains great information.  You should be able to find them at your local library, or easily on the internet.

If you wish to check into this problem further, a chiropractic evaluation including posture, orthopedic tests, x-ray analysis, and evaluation of spinal joint mechanics would be a good idea.  Remember that I can only opine on what may be the problem.  A proper examination is the only true way to arrive at a diagnostic opinion. Chiropractic care is a great health investment even when you do not have specific pain or injury.

Roberta, if you have any further comments or questions, feel free to follow-up.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman