Ever noticed a pop or crack in your knees, neck, or shoulders? It might sound alarming, but these sounds are typically harmless. Here’s what they mean and how chiropractic care can help you move more comfortably.
Crepitus refers to the crackling, popping, or grinding sounds you sometimes hear or feel in your joints. It’s especially common in areas like the knees, neck, shoulders, and ankles. These noises can occur for a number of normal reasons—like air bubbles in the joint fluid or the movement of tendons and ligaments over bony structures.
In most cases, crepitus is completely normal and not a sign of anything harmful. It’s part of everyday movement and doesn’t indicate damage or disease on its own.
Occasional joint sounds, especially when painless, are rarely a problem. But if the popping is persistent and paired with discomfort, swelling, or limited motion, it may be worth a professional evaluation to rule out less common issues.
Here are signs it could be more than just normal joint noise:
Consistent or sharp pain with the sound
Noticeable swelling or warmth in the joint
A grinding sensation or reduced mobility
While rare, these symptoms can be associated with things like joint misalignment or wear and tear. Even in those cases, conservative care options like chiropractic may be effective in managing the issue.
At Aligned Modern Health, our chiropractors help patients understand joint sounds like crepitus and support comfortable, healthy movement patterns. When needed, we provide treatments that may reduce unnecessary stress on your joints, including:
Gentle spinal adjustments
Soft tissue therapy
Personalized stretching and strengthening exercises
The goal isn’t to “fix” crepitus—because in most cases, there’s nothing wrong—but rather to help you move well and feel your best.
If you’re noticing joint sounds like popping or cracking, it’s often just a normal part of how your body moves. At Aligned Modern Health, we focus on promoting smooth, efficient movement, not just quiet joints. Our chiropractic care is designed to support alignment, mobility, and overall joint function so you can move with confidence and comfort.
Book your visit at any of our Chicago clinics and discover if chiropractic care is the right next step.
