Question
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: Cracking and popping is pretty natural as things move into proper alignment after being shifted out by trauma, tension, or exercise.  It sounds like you had several things out of alignment.  If you are not having any pain or numbness, I would not think that there is any problem.

Thank you for your question, Rachel.  I hope that my answer was helpful.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm sorry I didnt add more to that question...well whenever I sit down, and lean my neck towards my chest my middle and upper back hurts. It feels like its pulling on something...and its only when im sitting down, when i'm up and walking it's fine...should i be concerned?

Answer
Although I am not a physician, I would say that it sounds like you've pulled some muscles and perhaps they are tightening so much as to affect the vertebra in your back and neck.

I would recommend slow stretching for the area, such as yoga exercises.  If the pain persists or increases, I recommend seeing your doctor, chiropractor, or osteopath.

Thank you for your follow-up question, Rachel.  I hope that my answer was helpful.