If your shoulder pops or cracks when you do exercises such as pushups, escaping gases or tendon slippage may be the cause. The structure of a joint plays a part in creating the popping sound, also called an "audible release." The fluid that lubricates and nourishes the joint and its soft tissues contributes to the cracking. Cracking and popping is not generally considered harmful to joints, but research results are mixed.
Synovial Fluid
The fluid that lubricates your joints contains three gases: carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen. When you do a pushup, you may be creating negative pressure in the shoulder joint. This allows the gases to escape the synovial fluid and form a bubble. This escaping gas creates a cracking or popping sound. This sound can happen multiple times, as long as the gases have time to collect in the synovial fluid again.
Shoulder Motion
When you do a pushup, you may be stretching your shoulder joint beyond its normal range of motion. This movement can result in cracking or popping noises. Dr. Stacey Burke of West Coast Family Chiropractic suggests that the health benefits to increasing range of motion far outweigh any concerns about the popping noises that may occur.
One cause of a joint cracking or popping may be due to a tendon snapping in and out of place as the joint is moved. According to Johns Hopkins, there is no definitive evidence of the cause of joint-cracking noises, though X-rays taken during joint-cracking do show nitrogen bubbles forming.
Popping and Arthritis
You might think a popping or cracking sound when you do a pushup is signaling a potential problem. Some people think joint-cracking leads to arthritis. However, no study has ever shown a link between joint-popping and arthritis. In a 1990 study published in the "Annals of Rheumatic Diseases," researchers Jorge Castellanos and David Axelroda found that cracking some joints --- knuckles, for example --- leads to a drop in grip strength and an increase in swelling of the affected area.
Joint Problems
Popping and cracking noises in the absence of pain is usually nothing to worry about, according to the Library of Congress Science Reference Services. If your shoulder pops during a pushup and you experience pain, consult your doctor. Although the noise itself is not an indication that anything is wrong, swollen joints, loss of range of motion or loss of function when popping occurs may be a sign of a joint problem.
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