Lower Back Pain With a Popping Sound: What It Can Mean

Key takeaways:

• Experiencing lower back pain with a popping sound is a common occurrence.
• Most causes are related to simple muscle strains or sudden movements and do not require medical attention.
• If symptoms occur after a fall, injury, or a car accident or are associated with symptoms of leg weakness or loss of control of bowel or bladder, you should be evaluated immediately

Experiencing lower back pain with a popping sound can leave you wondering if something serious is happening within your spine. As jarring as a popping sound can be, it is a common occurrence that does not always signal a serious issue. We’ll explore what causes lower back pain with a popping sound, how to manage it, and when to speak with your healthcare provider for evaluation.

Is lower back pain with a popping sound normal?

The popping sound is often attributed to changes in the joints or ligaments within the spine. Small air bubbles trapped within the spaces of the spine can cause a popping sound with sudden movement and are considered normal. However, when this sound is combined with persistent pain, weakness, or other concerning symptoms, it could indicate a more significant problem that requires medical attention.

Symptoms associated with lower back pain and a popping sound

If you are experiencing these two symptoms at once, you should pay close attention to any other symptoms that occur simultaneously. The addition of other symptoms can give clues as to the underlying cause.

Muscle spasms and tightness

Muscle spasms are often a defense mechanism to protect your body after sudden movements. If you suddenly turn or bend in a way that irritates the spine, you may hear a popping noise followed by a tightening sensation. If your muscles are in a spasm, they may feel hard or in a “knot” to the touch.

Stiffness and limited range of motion

After experiencing a popping sound, you may notice stiffness in your lower back. Stiffness can make it difficult to move freely and limit your range of motion. This could be caused by inflammation, arthritis, or a muscle spasm that occurs after sudden movement.

Radiating pain, numbness, and tingling

If the popping sound is associated with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, this is referred to as radiculopathy and could indicate nerve compression or a nerve injury. Conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis often present with radiating pain and loss of strength in the legs.

Causes of lower back pain with a popping sound

Several potential causes can lead to lower back pain accompanied by a popping sound. While many of these conditions are not serious, some do require professional intervention.

Muscle strain

One of the most common causes of lower back pain is muscle or ligament strain. Overstretching or tearing a muscle can lead to inflammation, which may result in a popping sound when the area is moved. Rest, heat, and gentle stretching are often sufficient treatment options for muscle strains.

Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease is when the intervertebral discs in the spine may lose hydration and elasticity and break down over time. This process leads to bone-on-bone contact, resulting in a popping sound when the bones rub against each other. It is also possible to develop arthritis in smaller joints in the spine, known as facet joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and a popping sound with movement.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory rheumatoid condition that primarily affects the spine. Over time, the joints may fuse together, leading to signs of lower back pain and spine stiffness. This fusing and limited movement can cause a characteristic popping sound when the spine moves. This disease can also impact parts of the body outside of the spine and requires chronic treatment with a specialist.

Fractures

Vertebral fractures often occur as a result of trauma or conditions like osteoporosis. They can cause both pain and a popping sound in the back. The sound may result from bones shifting or rubbing against each other. Fractures are often accompanied by severe pain, limited movement, and swelling. Treatment may involve bracing, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases.

Causes based on another symptom or situation

If you notice the pain and popping only in certain situations, this may lead your healthcare provider to a specific diagnosis.

Lower back pain with a popping sound while walking

Pain and popping sounds while walking can often occur when joints of the spine are under added pressure. This may be caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease. The pain is often aggravated by weight-bearing activities like walking and may improve with rest. Less serious causes may simply be from air trapped within the joints after prolonged periods of sitting that release and pop with movement.

Lower back pain with a popping sound when twisting

If you experience pain and a popping sound when twisting or bending, it could be due to muscle strains or conditions that cause bone-on-bone contact within the spine. The twisting motion can strain the spine and lead to joint or disc compression. Less serious causes may simply be from air trapped within the joints after prolonged periods of sitting that release and pop with movement.

How to get relief from lower back pain with a popping sound at home

If you are dealing with mild symptoms, there are a few home treatments that may provide relief.

Hot and cold compresses

Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Cold packs can numb the pain and reduce swelling, while heat therapy can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow, which helps repair microtears within the muscles.

Over-the-counter medications

Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help with mild to moderate pain. Topical lidocaine patches may also help temporarily numb pain.

Stretching

Gentle stretching exercises, particularly those targeting the lower back, core, and hips can help alleviate stiffness and improve mobility.

How to prevent lower back pain with a popping sound

Taking proactive measures to strengthen your muscles and improve mobility can help prevent some causes of pain.

Strengthening core muscles

Strengthening core muscles can help support the spine and pelvis, reducing the risk of back pain and spasming. It can also help with flexibility, mobility, and range of motion.

Proper lifting techniques

When lifting heavy objects, you should always bend at the knees rather than bending at the waist. This helps to avoid straining and injury to the lower back and prevents aggravating pre-existing spinal conditions.

Maintain a healthy weight

Excess weight can put added pressure on the lower back. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce strain on these areas.

When to see a doctor about lower back pain with a popping sound

In some situations, lower back pain with a popping sound should prompt you to see a healthcare provider.

You should see a doctor if:

• The pain lasts more than a few days and doesn’t improve with rest.
• You notice associated symptoms such as stiffness or limited range of motion.
• The pain is severe and limits your ability to perform daily activities.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You experience significant weakness, numbness, or tingling in your legs.
• You notice a loss of bladder or bowel control.

Questions to ask your doctor about lower back pain with a popping sound

• Is it normal for my back to be making a popping sound?
• What could be causing my symptoms?
• Do I need any imaging studies, such as an X-ray or an MRI?
• Are there ways to improve or prevent my symptoms at home?

How a doctor can help treat lower back pain with a popping sound

If you are experiencing lower back with a popping sound that does not resolve with conservative measures, your doctor should be able to help.

Medication

Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain relievers can help reduce pain and inflammation. Oral steroids and medications such as Gabapentin or Lyrica that help with nerve pain may also be prescribed. Additional medications may be prescribed for chronic conditions like ankylosing spondylitis.

Physical therapy

A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that strengthen and stretch muscles in the back and core, helping to alleviate pain and prevent future issues. Physical therapists also use modalities such as heat and ultrasound that can help with muscle inflammation. Additionally, in cases of minor fractures, they may be able to assist with bracing.

Surgical procedures

If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be recommended. Surgery is often warranted for conditions like herniated discs, severe fractures, or degenerative disc disease. Minor procedures like epidural injections may also be recommended.

Frequently asked questions: lower back pain with a popping sound

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions related to lower back pain with an associated popping sound.

What if you hear a popping sound from your lower back, but don’t feel any pain?

A popping sound without pain is often harmless. It could be caused by air bubbles being released from the joints or a minor movement of the spine after sitting or laying in one position for a long time. If no pain is present, there is generally no need for concern.

What if you hear a popping sound in your lower back when you bend over?

Bending over can put a strain on the lower back and the popping sound may be caused by the movement of the spinal joints or ligaments. Just as with the question above, it may also simply be due to air bubbles being released after remaining in one position for a prolonged period.

Managing lower back pain with a popping sound

Lower back pain with a popping sound is common and often not a cause for concern. In many cases, it is related to simple muscle strains or even air trapped within the muscles and joints. If this occurs intermittently without causing significant disability, there is no reason to be concerned. However, if the pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms like leg weakness or loss of bladder control, or if the symptoms occur after a traumatic injury, seeking medical attention is necessary.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Poushali Bhattacharjee, MD.

Sources

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Donnally III, Chester J., et al. “Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 4 August 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28846354/

Matheve, Thomas et al. “The Role of Back Muscle Dysfunctions in Chronic Low Back Pain: State-of-the-Art and Clinical Implications.” Journal of clinical medicine vol. 12,17 5510. 24 Aug. 2023, doi:10.3390/jcm12175510 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10487902/

Wenker, Kyle J. and Jessilin M. Quint. “Ankylosing Spondylitis.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 20 June 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29261996/

Whitney, Eric. and Anthony J. Alastra. “Vertebral Fracture.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 3 April 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31613453/