Question
I am a healthy, active 18 year old girl but as of late I have been having some back pain, particularly when I am sitting at a desk, which is quite frequent as a college student.  My back cracks very loudly every day and my left shoulder and upper back can crack 24/7 unlike my knuckles which usually crack once and then need to build up pressure again.  I've been told that it doesn't even sound like regular cracking anymore but rather like the ligaments are rubbing or something.  It's not exactly painful but more like constant discomfort.  I do lift weights but not enough to injure myself.  Is this constant "cracking" of my back reason enough to cause me concern or is it normal?
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Maria,

This is common in young people.   Jont cracking sounds that are initiated by movement or stretching positions are benign when they are not painful.   This is different from an injured joint that also makes crack sounds that are painful.    So, it is normal.   The only concern is your sense of discomfort.   Especially, if you always feel a pressure-like build up that causes you to want to twist and crack yourself, then that could mean different things, including, but not limited to:    overtraining and/or not adequately recovering from training;  chronic, postural strain;  soft tissue (fascia, muscle) adhesions.     You could estimate the frequency of back-crack episodes, then obtain some form of treatment to see if it reduces the frequency.   Treatment at best would include massage therapy, chiropractic manual therapy.   Angla Salceido, DC is in down town Wash' DC.   I'd suggest giving her a call and trying a few sessions of joint manipulation along with Graston Technique for your soft tissues, and then see if you lose the desire to want to crack or if the frequency of it changes.    

'Hope this was helpful.

Dr. G'