Why Do My Joints Crack? What It Means and When to See a Chiropractor
Almost everyone has experienced cracking or popping sounds in their joints — whether it’s your neck, back, knees, or shoulders.
Some people do it deliberately, others notice it when they stand up or stretch.
But what actually causes that sound?
And is it a sign of a problem?
At North West Chiropractic in St Albans, this is one of the most common questions we hear from patients. Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Joints to Crack?
The “crack” you hear is usually caused by cavitation — a natural process where gas bubbles inside a joint rapidly change pressure and release.
This can happen when you:
Stretch or twist
Stand up after sitting for a long time
Move after being stiff or inactive
Change positions suddenly
It’s the same principle as opening a bottle of sparkling water — pressure changes cause bubbles to release, producing a sound.
👉 In most cases, this is completely normal and harmless.
Is Joint Cracking Bad for You?
Good news:
There’s no strong evidence that normal joint cracking causes arthritis or long-term damage.
However — the context matters.
Normal cracking means:
A joint is moving after being stiff
Pressure in the joint capsule is equalising
Muscles and ligaments are adjusting to movement
Abnormal cracking may mean:
A joint isn’t moving properly
Muscles are overly tight or imbalanced
Tendons are snapping over bone
One side of your body is compensating for another
If cracking is painless, it’s usually fine.
If it’s painful, frequent, or accompanied by stiffness, it’s worth getting checked.
When Joint Cracking Is a Problem
You should consider a chiropractic assessment if you notice cracking that comes with:
Pain before, during, or after the sound
Clicking every time you move a particular joint
Stiffness that doesn’t go away
A sense of weakness or instability
Restricted movement
Headaches or neck tension
A joint that feels “stuck”
These symptoms often mean the joint is not moving correctly, leading to uneven pressure and muscle compensation.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper joint motion, alignment, and muscle balance.
At North West Chiropractic, we assess how your spine and joints are moving — not just whether they make noise.
Chiropractic adjustments can:
Improve joint mobility
Reduce stiffness
Relieve pain linked to clicking joints
Rebalance surrounding muscles
Improve posture and spinal health
Often the sound you hear during an adjustment is the same cavitation process — but performed with specific, controlled movement to restore proper function.
Can I Crack My Own Joints?
Many people twist their own neck or back to relieve tension — but this can be risky.
Self-cracking often:
Relieves tension temporarily
Moves the joints that are already hypermobile
Leaves the restricted joints still stuck
Can create long-term instability or muscle imbalance
Chiropractors focus on the joints that need movement — not the ones that are already overworked.
When to See a Chiropractor
Book an assessment if your joint cracking comes with:
Pain
Headaches
Loss of strength
Posture changes
Tingling or nerve symptoms
Neck or back tightness that keeps returning
Early care helps prevent further strain and promotes healthy movement.
Book an Appointment
If joint cracking is worrying you, or if you’re experiencing pain or stiffness, we’re here to help.
Book online or call North West Chiropractic to schedule your visit at
306 Station Road, St Albans VIC 3021.
Move better. Feel better. Live pain-free.