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Backbone "Clicking"

KalisMom
0 Recommendations

Hi,

I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis, and I've noticed that when I bend forward or twist my body....ever so slightly....my backbone makes a clicking sound! It doesn't hurt at all but I'm concerned that it will be painful in the future because it might be causing damage to the bone.
Has anyone else had this experience? If so, what was the diagnosis?
I told my PCP about it 6 months ago, and she ordered X-rays of my spine. After that she said there was some arthritis in the spine. Would that cause the clicking?
I'd like to hear from anyone if you've had this same experience and to know your
diagnosis.
Thanks, Linda

Explore topics in this discussion:

Exercise Sciatica Surgery Arthritis Falls Back pain Forteo Fractures Fosamax Osteopenia Actonel Pain Spondylolisthesis Osteoporosis Osteoarthritis

32 replies

dudemom

I am not an expert, but I've read an have been told any cracking is not a bad thing. Supposedly it your joints lubricating themselves. You know the old saying, stop cracking you knuckles! Air gets between the bone and cartilage and when you crack its the air being pushed out of that space. Hope this helps

wasnun

Hi Linda, Just read your qustion. for the past two years I have heard clicking ,but in my case it's more like a marble going back and forth over vertabrae. In fact now it is more like many marbles. It also can happen with the least amount of movement on my part. It does not hurt, but defitely does not feel normal. No diagnosis. Let me know if you find out what it is. Wasnun

summerhour

I was on Actonel for 3 1/2 years when quite suddenly I started getting a clicking and crackling in my neck - so loud that others could hear it . It was painless but creepy and constant .

I quit taking Actonel and it has nearly disappeared .
My own (of course unproven )theory is that the osteoclasts were no longer remodeling or "cleaning " up ragged or brittle edges of the bones- therefore the grittiness.

dancinabbi

Hi,
Thanks to everyone for all the comments. I have recently started experiencing my back bone clicking in and out of place. I am 15, I walk to school everyday with a heavy bag, I also do a lot of excersise. I was quite worried at first about the clicks but they don't hurt at all. If i straighten my back it helps:)
X

huessysignoret

I first noticed by backbone "clicking" as I walked down the hallway toward my office, or reached toward the clock-alarm radio. There was no pain, and I thought nothing of it. It gradually became more and more pronounced, and then pain followed. The "clocking" was the start of a condition called spondylolisthesis, in which my L4 vertebra had slipped forward nearly 3/4" and was jamming up my spinal chord. I had major lumbar-fusion surgery to correct the problem (after half a dozen doctors missed the diagnosis altogether). By that time, the pain had become excruciating, and was manifested most frequently by searing sciatica down my right leg. The surgery was an anterior lumbar fusion (they went in the front first, got the line they wanted, then flipped me over and put in stablizing hardware through the back.) It was extremely successful, alleviating all but maybe 5% of my pain. Alas, by that time, osteoarthritis had set in with a vengeance in other joints, and I was osteoporotic. Spondylolisthesis is probably only one of a number of possible explanations for the "clicking." Mine was finally diagnosed by a pain-management specialist, through an old-fashioned myelogram. (Two MRI's failed to reveal the condition -- except in hindsight.)

reversiblecat

gimmebones,

When you say you are lifting 20 pounds, does that mean you are lifting 20 pound weights or two 10 pound weights?

kas

believe it or not I used to get that noise somewhere in my lower back when I was around 19 years of age and one day while walking with my friend she heard it
and there was no pain but I assumed it was because of poor posture
anyways have not had it again in YEARS and honestly cannot remember the last time
your post made me think of it

gimeebone

Oakside and all,

We're all being diagnosed with the same T scores and yet we're all suffering in different ways. My 96 year-old grandmother had a hump and probably had osteoporosis but never knew it as they did not have any scanning machines in those days, she never heard of a T score and was fortunate enough not to have fallen. The only clicking I have is a crunching noise when I turn my head to the right and left...only I can hear it. I was told once by a specialist after I hurt my back and I was given exercises, to only do the exercises that "feel good" and that's what I always do now. I don't believe in "no pain, no gain". We all know our own bodies best, so trust the organism and your determination along with the exercise of your choice, will get you back to greater strength.

Be well and thrive!

gimeebone

Creaklym,

Go for it and I'll look out for your update!

Oakside

Your lifts of 20 lbs is encouraging. I am 72, with a T score was 4.9 5 years ago, the specialist said 2 months ago he couldn't tell if the 5.1 was accurate or not because of spinal fractures. I've always walked at least 15 miles per week - with poles the last 2 years, and want to get back to greater strength.

My spine only 'cracks' when I deliberately move on a c\rpet with the intention of pushing fractured vertibrae that have slipped out of alignment back into place, when the relief is considerable.

MDC

I am so happy to have found this site- I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago with severe osteoporosis of the spine and I've been doing my research. I am interested in everything you folks have to share. I have had some clicking in my neck with sudden movements but no pain. I am just learning about exercises but my biggest "pain" problem is sitting for anymore than a half hour- I sometimes get pain in my hip and wish I could find a good seat cushion that I could use at work and while driving. Any ideas?

Creakylim

Thank you for the wise councel and I will take it very easy. I really appreciate your help...now I just need is a person to keep me on track! lol. Accountability starts within...soooo, I'll work on that too.lol. I'll keep in mind the goal...a nicely toned body that is supporting my skeletal structure better. You fired me up...now to get busy. I'll keep you posted.

gimeebone

Hi Creakylim,

Some extra thoughts when lifting weights with our condition; I took it real slow. No sudden movements. When lifting weights always keep the body symmetrical, move smoothly. After lifting them, I put them down slowly, bending knees, keeping the back straight. If you feel off-balance, always support yourself with your hand on a solid surface and if it feels good, do it. But most of all if it hurts STOP! I am now comfortably lifting 20lbs and that is my limit. My body is nicely toned and I feel strong and able to be in control of my body. It took several months to reach 20lbs, so be prepared to work at it a little at a time as rushing will work against your goal. Enjoy the feel of your muscles getting stronger and feel more confident in your stride!

Take good care.

Creakylim

Hi Gimmebone,
after reading the posts of other people who have T-scores similar to mine I feel empowered! Not alone is a good feeling ! It's good to hear good news and read about how each of you are taking charge of your health care. Thank you for book suggestion and I will order it. My T-score is -3.3 and the lowest score is in every vertbrae of my spine. I'm in my sixties. Would like to join friends group or have one contact at least?lol. But I'll read about how to go about that now that I've found other ladies with similar scores and challenges. Thanks again for book suggestion.

LindaS

I have had osteoporosis for 18 years. I am now 49 years old. I had initially had 2 compression fractures in my spine and a t score of -3.9 in my spine. When I used to lay down, not only could i hear the clicking but i could feel my whole spine moving. It always felt right after this happened. This continued for years. I have always felt it stopped moving when it healed. I still have the cracking in my back when i lean against something. I still think my spine is adjusting itself to a little bit straighter of a position. As severe as my spine is, I have very little back pain which is strange since I do have a hump on my back.

ergo

I click alot. Sometimes it freaks me out a bit, other times, when I am stretching, it is a positive and relaxing feeling. The yoga position Ardha Chandrasana is an especially rewarding posture to stretch and click without any weight on the joints and not too much twisting or bending over. I find it hard to believe I'm doing myself harm with this. I get aches and pains in my hips and lower spine. I like to think the clicking helps, maybe I'm wrong, but it certainly doesn't seem to make it worse.

gimeebone

I have severe osteoporosis at -4.1 and I have been doing these exercises for 5 years and so far have no fractures. "Bone Building Body-Shaping workout" by Joyce L. Vedral, Ph.D. The exercises are designed for women.

Good luck!

EllenEpstein

I recently started having the exact same clicking sounds. I couldn't believe your entry today, Linda, about the very same thing. I spoke with my doctor (who has been my friend and neighbor for 34 years) and he said not to worry about it. It is sometimes a result of the bones in your spine being out of alignment and if it does not cause pain, I should not worry. Mine does not hurt at all but I was unable to make it happen when the doctor wanted to hear it. I notice that if I run on my treadmill at a 7 degree or more angle, it seems to get worse, so I have backed off on the degree of incline. That seems to help. I've also started cycling/spinning as another form of aerobic exercise to try and lessen this condition. Often when it occurs, if I stand up straighter or bend over a bit, it stops clicking.

Just for the record, I am 61, a compulsive exerciser, was in the 10% of people who did not get better on Fosamax (after 6 years), went on Forteo for 2 years, and have now improved from osteoporotic to osteopenic as a result of the Forteo.

Nita

I am surprised to see all the comments that say no bending or twisting. I was diagnosed with osteoporsis 9 years ago (I'm 65) and have taken yoga ever since. I had the noise (clicking) in my back at first but rarely have it any more. I love yoga. Think it has benefited me in so many ways. Can't imagine never doing it. I never thought I could be harming myself by the twisting and bending. I do it all.

Creakylim

sdivas,
thank you for your help and quick response. I'll check it out.

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