Popping or Spine Joint Noise
Popping or spine joint noise - The joints in the rear of the spine are real joints like a hip or knee joint. They are under negative pressure- that is they are under suction. When the suction is broken, just like when a chiropractor “pops” a joint or when you would “pop” your knuckles, the suction release creates a noise that we call a “pop”. Sometimes when you remove a wet glass from a granite counter, the suction release will give a similar popping noise. This noise is not dangerous and nothing to worry about by itself.
There are grinding noises that can originate from the neck with motion. Some patients call it a “sand in the joint” noise. The joint surfaces can wear down unevenly causing this sound. If it is not painful and most aren’t, it is not dangerous. Don’t worry about the sound as no one else can hear it but you. The noise is directly transmitted into your ear and only you can hear it.
