Question
Hello,

I am 24 years old, healthy as far as I know, and exercise somewhat regularly (I run and walk a lot around the city I live in).

Just today, I noticed that my back makes a soft grinding sound that I've never heard before, and it only happens whenever I turn my upper body right to left (moving my shoulders, not my hips). It seems like it's coming from my upper back, between my shoulder blades. I can kind of feel a slight, soft grinding as well. The sound is louder when I have my mouth open; however, it isn't painful.

I'm not sure if this could be a reason..but for the past month I've been spending a lot of time on my laptop, sitting on the floor with no back support. It isn't comfortable, but I don't have a desk and chair in my new apartment, so this is the only way I've been sitting in front of my computer.

Could it be my bad posture that led to this grinding sound? Or is there something else to this that I should be worried about? I don't usually crack my back, and I've never had any back pain or problems before.

I'm living abroad in France at the moment--so any advice would be greatly appreciated as I'm a bit lost on what to do, ask, or look for!

Thanks very very much in advance,
Liz  

Answer
Staten Island Chiropractor, Staten Island Chiropractic, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Joint Noises, Joint Grinding, Joint Pain,




Hello Liz,

Congratulations on your exercise routine--- Keep that up !!!

".....I noticed that my back makes a soft grinding sound that I've never heard before, and it only happens whenever I turn my upper body right to left (moving my shoulders, not my hips). It seems like it's coming from my upper back, between my shoulder blades. I can kind of feel a slight, soft grinding as well. The sound is louder when I have my mouth open; however, it isn't painful....."
         First, if it is NOT painful, it is probably NOT a major concern.  The body makes noises.  The stomach bubbles and growls, the lungs whoosh, joints can click and crack.

That said,,, your concern may be mildly justified.  Perhaps you are dehydrated and need 'lubrication' (more WATER = not coffee, not soda, not alcohol).  Perhaps you are tight and need stretching/ massage/ chiropractic.

Our body talks to us all the time.  Sometimes we easily understand it: pain after a fall/ after an injury.  Sometimes we do not easily, readily understand it.  If the grinding does not cause pain, it is not urgent to be seen by a health professional.  But that grinding  -could- indicate a problem coming sometime in the future.  I would not 'rush', but if it persists, I would have it evaluated.

Has something changed?- did you have a slip/ trip/ fall/ injury,,,, and then the noise started?
Are you doing a different workout routine?  Is the noise becoming more/ less/ staying the same?

"....The sound is louder when I have my mouth open...."- the sound, coming from your thoracic spine/ scapula area; overlays your lungs, you may hear it better with your mouth open because the sound from your back is picked up and transmitted through the lungs/ nose- mouth.

"....I'm not sure if this could be a reason..but for the past month I've been spending a lot of time on my laptop, sitting on the floor with no back support. It isn't comfortable, but I don't have a desk and chair in my new apartment, so this is the only way I've been sitting in front of my computer. ...."-  YES, this incorrect posture could be tightening and causing fatigue to the muscles/ joints of your midback.  This grinding  -could-  be telling you of greater discomfort, greater dysfunction to come, unless you change this repetitive prolonged posture.

"....Could it be my bad posture that led to this grinding sound? Or is there something else to this that I should be worried about? I don't usually crack my back, and I've never had any back pain or problems before....."- yes bad posture can be causing this; get a proper workstation, get a chair and desk.  Right now you are not hurting, you are not in pain, BUT if you continue this bad posture, bad movement pattern you could be building into an injury!

"....I'm living abroad in France at the moment--so any advice would be greatly appreciated as I'm a bit lost on what to do, ask, or look for!...."
There are Doctors of Chiropractic(DC) in Europe-- I would look for a DC in the area, I would get a proper work station, I would perhaps go for a massage (or two or three).  Your joints are talking to you,,, I would supplement with some Glucosamine Sulfate/ Chondroitin/ MSM, Calcium, magnesium.  You are young and NOT hurting now,,,, but your posture habits   -could-  lead to hurt and pain later on; fix it now!, before you are hurting!



Joint noises are a common question, perhaps these previous ques/ans could be helpful to you:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2008/12/pops-cracks.htm

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2008/6/neck-crepitus-3.htm

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2009/1/crunching-nad-poping-sound.h...

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2009/1/Neck-Crepitus-neck-cruching....

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2008/12/popping-1.htm



Whether it is your spine, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle; whatever-- joints make noise. Joints can pop, crack, click: no pain?= probably A- Okay, pain with the noises?= probably a problem!   

Your grinding is probably your body talking to you to CHANGE that work posture!
Your grinding is your body talking to you, telling you that things could get worse.

Here is some information I give out in my Staten Island Chiropractic office that
may be helpful to you:




PAIN

Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?

Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.

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?

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) ;

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.



Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.


Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation?)
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; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, 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
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))




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

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; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, 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



Re-reading your question and description--- I think you hit it on the head,,, your poor posture is causing this, and right now it does not hurt,,,, but it could in the future.
Do you know that old doctor joke?:
    Patient:  " . . . Doctor, it hurts when I do this ! . . ."
    Doctor answers:  "...it hurts when you do that,,,,,, hmmmmmmmm,,,,
                      don't do that!  ,,,,,, and that will be only $55 for today. "



Enjoy your Adventure in France!!!!

If you need further information, do not hesitate to re-contact me here at AllExperts.com :
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC.htm



Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)