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The answer: It depends

I know that’s not a very satisfying answer but it is an honest one. Let’s talk about a few scenarios where it is safe to have popping joints. Then we will cover other scenarios where popping, cracking, snapping, clicking joints could be bad.

Generally, if it is not painful, swollen or changing colors it is ok for your joints to “pop”. Here are a few safe cracking scenarios:

1. When done by a chiropractor. Chiropractors have years of training and experience on how to perform adjustments which can produce an audible popping sound or cavitation in the joint. The high velocity low amplitude thrust manipulation is to help improve range of motion in restricted joints, and has a therapeutic effect. The popping that occurs during these types of manipulations comes from changes in pressure in the joint fluids. Gas is released because of the change in pressure and will cause a popping sound. Just like the pop you get when you open a can of soda.
2. When the body pops with natural movements or stretching and it DOES NOT hurt. It is normal for the body to have pops and cracks occasionally when you move them. As long as it is not painful, red or swollen it is typically harmless. These types of pops can come from the joint pressure changes, tight tendons jumping over bones, or even arthritis.

When are popping joints bad?

1. When it hurts or you notice swelling and/or redness around the joint. This could be a sign of an underlying injury or disease. Things like labral tears, meniscus tears, and inflammatory diseases could cause popping and be a sign of something that needs treatment.
2. When you are trying to force a pop. Popping your own joints intentionally could potentially be dangerous. The popping itself, should be harmless but soft tissue injuries could occur if you’re pushing the joints too far. Also, someone could develop laxity in the joints by constant stretching to cause a popping sensation. Which in the long run could cause problems.

When are popping joints bad?

1. When it hurts or you notice swelling and/or redness around the joint. This could be a sign of an underlying injury or disease. Things like labral tears, meniscus tears, and inflammatory diseases could cause popping and be a sign of something that needs treatment.
2. When you are trying to force a pop. Popping your own joints intentionally could potentially be dangerous. The popping itself, should be harmless but soft tissue injuries could occur if you’re pushing the joints too far. Also, someone could develop laxity in the joints by constant stretching to cause a popping sensation. Which in the long run could cause problems.