QuestionI'm a recon marine and have spent some time overseas in the war on terror. Every morning when I wake up I go through this ritual, it's not really a set schedule but when I get up my spine starts poping and cracking along with a host of other joints throughout my body. I have jumped out of planes and helicopters and have put tremendous strain on my back over the past few years. The problem is I can't just see a military doctor yet because they might discharge me medically and I don't want to leave the service just yet. Someone told me that it's just old age but I just turned 25 years old and it seems strange that my body would already be falling apart. Any light you could shed on this question would be more than appreciated because I don't want to jump the gun and see a doc just yet.
Answerback pain, snap, crackle, pop, audible, staten island back pain, body noise, staten island chiropractic
Hello Colin,
First, let me thank you for your volunteer service to our country! You, and EVERY brave man and woman deserve our appreciation. Freedom is not free. Semper Fi.
You say: "...Every morning when I wake up I go through this ritual, it's not really a set schedule but when I get up my spine starts poping and cracking along with a host of other joints throughout my body....". Let me re-assure you, the body makes noise! The heart beats like a drum, the lungs wooosh and wheeze, the belly growls, the rectum,,,um,,, bellows; and the joints can snap, crackle and pop!
The joint noises you hear may just be normal. If your joints make noise, particularly without a pain associated with that noise; the click, pop, crack may just be joint fluid shifting. IF these joint noises are accompanied by any pain, any discomfort- then I recommend you see someone, see a health professional for an evaluation. Pain with the joint pop is NOT good.
So, maybe I can put you somewhat at ease---- a click, crak, snap, pop WITHOUT pain, without residual soreness= is probably not very significant.
All of the above being said- You are 25y/o, so you are young in years, but you may be old in 'mileage'. If you have had a rigorous life- jumping from planes, 20 mile runs, boot camp,,,, you need to take care of yourself- preventively. Certain vitamins/ supplements to aid good joint health, help your muscles and bones will be helpful to you. You should take a multiple vitamin (a foundation), you should take Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids (anti-inflammatory),
Glucosamine / Chondroitin / MSM / Calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D for your bones and joints.....
these are things you should be taking to aid your joints survive the increased demands you place upon them. 'Lubricate' those joints with the right supplements!!!
Perhaps you could visit a massage therapist- for a preventive relaxing restorative session; perhaps you could visit a local chiropractic doctor for a relaxing rehabilitative 'tune- up'.
You may be young, but all of the 'work' you do, all your activity- places stress upon the joints; you want to prevent problems (if you do not have problems) and these supplements and treatments (massage, chiropractic) will help your joints repair IF you do have a problem.
Lastly, if you do want this looked at,,,, perhaps instead of having a 'company doctor' look at you; you could always go off the reservation, and be evaluated by someone out of the reach of your employer; sad to say-> you just have to bring payment. I am not recommending you do anything wrong or illegal, but you could always see a doctor on your own. It is your body, it is your information, perhaps not everyone needs to know YOUR problems; and you may be able to get some feedback 'out of the loop', IF you feel this is serious enough to be looked at.
In all likelihood, you are fine. The body makes noise, and that includes the joints making sounds. Even If you have some discomfort; just taking some supplements may be all you need.
In my Staten Island Chiropractic office I give out some information on pain and joints and preventive recommendations- perhaps this will be helpful to you:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
RED LIGHT = Trouble !!
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
Think you should listen??
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
Pain Killing medication??? = 16,000 deaths ( probably under-reported )
DEATH ! ? ! ? better watch out on those medications!!!
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468 Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001) Motrin, Advil = NSAIDS
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
http://rinf.com/alt-news/business-news/prescription-drugs-kill-300-percent-more-...
= An analysis of 168,900 autopsies conducted in Florida in 2007 found that three times as many people were killed by legal drugs as by cocaine, heroin and all methamphetamines put together. BE CAREFUL WITH THAT MEDICATION !!!
It was reported in 2000, that 700,000 U.S. citizens die as a result from medical causes (iatrogenics). Of course, other records and statistics had the number above the one million mark. Whether 700,000 or one million people, that's a lot of innocent people dying from visiting a hospital and trusting a medical doctor.= http://www.dherbs.com/articles/iatrogenics-99.html
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine , Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010 , Chiropractor to the Championship NYPD Football Team, and the PSAL High School Football Champions (Curtis)
This handout sheet is also given to my Staten Island Patients:
P.R.I.C.E. = P protection. R rest. I ice. C compression. E elevation.
Hurt yourself ?? injury/ trauma/ bruise/ not even sure - - a broken bone ??
You should certainly get to the Doctor or trained health professional to be examined if you think it is bad enough. BUT in the meantime, some simple steps may help.
PRICE.
The PRICE protocol will usually help just about any musculoskeletal injury.
P = Protection; protect the area from further injury- stop what you are doing, can you
pad or bandage the area ? Tape the area? Do something to protect the area !
R = Rest; rest the area as much as possible, if a part is damaged, give the body time to
repair the area
I = Ice; ice is a potent anti-inflammatory; it will slow swelling, help with pain control
(ice is analgesic), place ice over cloth over the injured area for 5, 10 minutes, off the
injured area for 30 minutes; then back on again ( please do NOT use heat, heat adds to edema->
heat feels good while it is on,,,, and often makes the condition WORSE after you take heat off )
C = Compression; to help prevent swelling compression may be helpful- for example
if it is an ankle, wrap the ankle with an ace bandage and ice the area. Many body
parts may not be applicable to compression.
E = Elevation; again to fight swelling and pain, raising the injured body part above the
heart may be helpful- ie raise an ankle or knee, you lay down, raise the injured part
PRICE may help : Sprains, Strains, musculo-skeletal injury, bruise, contusion
Sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a bump or bruise, sprain or strain. Sometimes also involved with the injury is a vertebral subluxation (or other joint subluxation) (subluxation is a mechanical problem- of any joint- and requires a mechanical correction). In the spine, a sprain/strain is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the joint, a stretch of the muscles, tendons and/ or ligaments:- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation. Sometimes symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months later!- Well after the actual trauma !!!
Spinal = Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation? ; ( subluxation COULD be any joint )
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms. Sprain/ strain/ bump/ bruise?= may result in subluxation of the nearby joint. CORRECT the subluxation !!!!
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine ; Invited to care for USA Olympians @ Olympic Training Center 2010 ; Chiropractor to the CHAMPIONSHIP NYPD Football Team, and PSAL Champion Curtis Football Team
I hope this is helpful to you. If you need further information, do not hesitate to contact your Staten Island Chiropractor friend here at AllExperts.com = http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Thank you for the question. Good Luck. Again, Thank YOU for your service.
Dr. Vic Dolan, DC
