Why does my lower back lock up?!
Question: Why does my lower back lock up?
It doesn't necessarily hurt, it's just uncomfortable and worrisome. I'm really concerned about long term implications. I'm 27 years old now and otherwise in very good health (normal body weight, runner, lifter, etc.).
Does anyone have any idea what this could be?
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
Joint "cracking" or popping can result from a negative pressure pulling nitrogen gas temporarily into the joint, such as when knuckles are "cracked." This is not harmful. "Cracking" sounds can also be heard if tendons snap over tissues because of minor adjustments in their gliding paths. This can occur with aging as muscle mass and action change.
If cracking is accompanied by pain, there could be underlying abnormalities of the structures of the joint, such as loose cartilage or injured ligaments. Some patients with arthritis (inflammation of joints, usually painful), bursitis, or tendinitis notice "cracking" sounds, or crepitus, with joint movements, due to the snapping of irregular, swollen tissues.
http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guid…