Dull Popping at Bottom of Squat.... Normal?

[MDev874]

I'm 6'2" and 210lbs and currently squatting 255lbs x 5 x 3.

Often on my first one or two reps of first work set, sometimes last heavy warm up set, at the bottom there's a loud pop that feels like when you crack your knuckles. It feels more like pelvis/tailbone than hips to me.

I experience no pain and typically feel a bit looser once it happens. Similar to a chiropractic adjustment.

I assume this is just my anatomy being forced into it's proper alignment under weight.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is it normal? Is it a sign of something bad coming in the future?

Thanks,

Mark

[Michael Wolf]

Joints making noise is pretty common and if there's no pain or associated issues, I don't think there's anything worry about BUT that's usually a knees or ankles thing in the squat. I've never had a lifter describe this in their low back/pelvic area, which would raise my concern a bit more. But I don't really know. Maybe one of our PTs will chime in.

[williy_cole]

That used to happen to be until I switched to low bar prior to ever doing starting strength, it never hurt but it felt like my si joint grinding or something. I feel like it had to do something with going wayyyyy to deep.
It no longer happens , but I can kinda pop my si joint now by squeezing my glutes while standing. I don't know if this is relevant just thought I would say something since it used to happen to me as well.

[Bliss]

Might sound silly, but...could you replicate it during a hard valsalva and sort of pushing into your lower belly/tailbone region?
(Not necessarily during lifting)

I had that create a dull pop a few times

[Tom Campitelli]

I have felt my low back or hip pop on occasion while warming up. Back when I used to stretch my back (long ago before I figured out stretching my back tended to irritate it), I could also get my low back to pop. As Comrade Wolf has observed, provided this is not accompanied by pain, it is unlikely to be problematic.

[I_iz_a_fatass]

My knees especially, and hips sometimes, make odd crunching sounds when I squat, but range of motion is good and there's no pain or other symptoms along with it, so I ignore it.

[Kessi]

I have been meaning to ask this also. I, too, feel a pop/crunch "deep" in my hip/ass/lowback at the bottom during heavy warmup or working sets. No pain or anything else. Its just weird.

[MDev874]

This "popping" only occurs at the very bottom position of the squat.

It never hurts, but is startling when your pelvic area makes an audible popping noise like a full body version of a knuckle crack.

Since there is no soreness, or other problems associated currently, I'll carry on as normal.

If my body ever splits in two, I'll be sure to post.

[Tom Campitelli]

If my body ever splits in two, I'll be sure to post.

This made me chuckle.