What causes sounds when the shoulder blades are squeezed?

Question

Hello doctor,

When I squeeze my shoulder blades together, my spine always cracks or pops (like cracking your knuckles). I do this maybe 20 times a day. I think it is becoming a habit. It helps to loosen it up. What causes this? Do I have muscle weakness? It has been an ongoing pain for three years and it is getting worse. It is very easy to pop and it is addicting.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The sounds coming from the spine is called as snapping of joints. A synovial joint is a joint where two bony surfaces are enclosed in a capsule with synovial fluid enclosed in it. It is like a sound coming from two wet surfaces placed together and now separated. It is a normal physical property. You feel good or relaxed by repeatedly doing it because of your habit. You do not have any muscle weakness.

You should avoid doing it repeatedly as repeated forces over a limited area of the spine will predispose it to degenerative changes over the long term. To avoid getting a feeling of back stiffness, start a regular spinal exercise program.