The windshield (North American English) or windscreen (Commonwealth English) of an aircraft, car, bus, motorbike, truck, train or tram is the front window, which provides visibility while protecting occupants from the elements.Modern windshields are generally made of laminated safety glass, a type of treated glass, which consists of, typically, two curved sheets of glass with a plastic layer. When you crack your neck or any joint in your body, the capsules around your joint are stretched. These capsules contain fluid, and stretching them allows the fluid to put less pressure on the.
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What is that sound originating from your joints, and should you be concerned? Find out what's regular, and what you may want to get had a look at.
Have you ever heard a crackle in your knees as you stood up from a squat? Do your shoulders creak during lateral raises? Or maybe you've heard a 'pop' deep inside your hip socket when you ease into Warrior II position.
These cracking, creaking, popping noises originating from your bone's joints can be perplexing, even humiliating, however medical specialists state the majority of them are harmless.
Regular movement causes some cracking and creaking in even the healthiest joints and cartilage. Some noises, though, are the result of cartilage damage from injury, loss of muscle tissue or conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Understanding what causes joint noises is the initial step in figuring out whether the racket in your body is simply incidental sound or something that needs medical attention. In either case, finding out how to better support your joints, especially as you age, might quell a few of the clatter.
Totally Normal Bone Cracks
Among the most typical sources of noise is gas– but not the digestive tract kind. The joint pill is filled with synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint and provides nourishment to the cells that form cartilage. The fluid consists of liquified gases, consisting of co2, nitrogen and oxygen. When the joint ligaments are extended, either intentionally (knuckle cracking) or by accident (arching your back), the pressure within the pill changes and it launches CO2 in the form of bubbles. The cracking noise you hear comes from those gas bubbles bursting. When these bubbles burst, people experience a sense of spaciousness within the joint and a temporary increase in its range of movement.
Another typical cracking or popping sound does not come from within the joint at all. During movement, tendons and ligaments that cross the joint can momentarily shift position or drag throughout a bone. When they go back to their regular position, they make a snapping noise. You may have heard this in your knees when you increased from a sitting position, or in your neck when you turned your head. It's likewise typical in the shoulders. Loss of muscle mass from aging accelerates this result since more bone is exposed. This sounds scarier than it is; it's really a normal and harmless incident.
Not Normal Cracks
Something called crepitus, on the other hand, is not so benign. It might manifest as a crunching noise when you bend or extend your knees and is typically referred to as seeming like Rice Krispies popping in a cereal bowl. Crepitus occurs when there is issue to cartilage within the joint. Often the issue is due to overuse or aging; often it's a byproduct of injury, such as a tear in the ligament or cartilage. It can also be an early sign of arthritis.
Pay Attention to Your Body
Are all those 'pops' and 'clunks' signs of serious problems? That depends upon how your joints feel. Pain, swelling, numbness and loss of stability are all signs that something is wrong. Noise without these symptoms is probably harmless.
Some specialists even believe that when bones and joints break, the action promotes the nerve system, leading to a relaxation reaction in the surrounding muscles. 'When a feline arches its back, it's actually stimulating the proprioceptors in its spinal column– that's how it wakes up its body,' says American Chiropractic Association representative Robert Hayden, DC, PhD. 'Similarly, it feels great when you move a joint and bring back the flow of info from the joint to the part of the brain that coordinates it.'
Moderate joint cracking likewise helps to keep your joints from stiffening up– which's an advantage, Hayden adds. 'A rule of thumb when it comes to joints is that when motion is decreased, joints end up being less functional.'
However this does not suggest you need to attempt to require a fracture. Doing so consistently may cause long-lasting issue to your joint tissue and might risk destabilizing areas that support your body, such as the lower back. And in a delicate area like the neck, where there are arteries present, wrenching versus the natural plane and variety of motion might even lead to stroke, Hayden alerts.
It's fine if your bone's joints crack by themselves, but it's best to leave most intentional cracking to a chiropractic physician or osteopath.
Diet for Cracking Bones and Joints Relief
While you can't silence all the noise emanating from your joints, you can do something about it to secure and care for these workhorses. Eating a healthy diet, getting routine workout, and lessening factors that reduce bone health, such as smoking, can help keep your joints healthy, and possibly quieter as a result.
The dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate can help reduce pain and swelling in joints in some individuals, and might also help those with early or perhaps advanced osteoarthritis, states Dan Matthews, MD, spokesperson for the American Osteopathic Society for Sports Medicine. 'Cartilage and synovial fluid have these two elements in them, so you are enhancing that material in the body.'
And recent research shows that eating foods that reduce inflammation in the body– those including anti-oxidants and necessary fatty acids– benefits your joints, too. Anti-oxidants such as vitamins E, C, A, B5 and B6 help preserve cartilage and support its repair work. And important fatty acids, especially omega-3s like those found in nuts and cold-water fish, can help normalize joint function.
Routine workout keeps joints mobile and, by building muscle, more stable. It can also help you preserve a healthy weight, therefore lowering the concern on your joints. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) suggests a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise daily, even for people with osteoarthritis. (For folks with bone or joint damage, the AAOS advises moderate non-weight-bearing activity, such as swimming.) Being active helps enhance your bones and support healthy joints. Simply remember to integrate in time for rest and recovery.
'Cartilage requires the cycle of weight-bearing and relaxation to pump nutrients to the cells that keep its structure,' Brodeur discusses. 'Too much weight-bearing workout can harm the joint by tearing cartilage or displacing synovial fluid, robbing cells of the nutrients they have to survive.'
Like the majority of traits in our bodies, aging affects the joints. Diminished muscle mass, changes in cartilage and age-related stiffness all affect how your joints move and the kinds of sounds they make. Doctor state the best thing you can do for your body and your joints, no matter your age, is to enhance your general health.
'Stay mobile, stay active,' says Hayden. 'Joints need to be moved and regularly stressed in order to stay healthy. Even if they crackle.'
What is normal?
In general, it's quite simple to determine if your joint noise is typical. Routine pops and snaps are likely gas bubbles breaking within the fluid of the joint, or tendons moving position during movement then snapping back into place. A crunching or grinding sound, nevertheless, might indicate cartilage issue, and you may wish to have it checked out by a health care expert.
As a rule, any joint noises accompanied by pain, swelling, numbness or loss of stability are cause for issue. Sound without these symptoms is most likely harmless and may just be the side effect of feel-good changes within the body.
The Knuckle Popper
Knuckle cracking is the most common of all joint sounds. Most of us have heard (typically from our moms!) that it will result in arthritis, or potentially even worse. When researchers dismissed this insurance claim a few years back, some individuals felt they might begin to split at will, however medical specialists say that idea might be misdirected.
'While there is no proof that cracking your knuckles can cause arthritis or cause any change that can be measured with x-ray, that does not always mean it's a good idea,' says Raymond Brodeur, DC, PhD, adjunct professors of osteopathic manipulative medicine at Michigan State University in East Lansing. One research study revealed that regular knuckle cracking (provided for an average of 35 years) led to significantly weaker grip strength and a greater incidence of joint swelling. 'Weaker grip strength does have an impact on daily living– for instance, it would make opening a child-proof container a lot harder,' he says.
Startled at the sight of a crack in your basement flooring? Start here with this guide to determine whether or not you have anything to worry over.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Q: We moved into a new house and I just noticed some cracks in the basement floor. They don't look new, but I can't be sure. Should I be concerned? Do I need to call a professional to take a look, or can I fix the cracks myself?
A: Odds are, the cracks in your basement floor are not indicative of a bigger problem. Keep in mind that basement floors do not bear the weight of the house as basement walls do, so cracks in a basement floor won't affect your home's structural integrity. Still, occasionally, a floor crack can be the first sign of a larger issue. Use the following visual cues and clues to understand what cracks you've noticed could mean and whether or not you need to have them repaired.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Hairline cracks need no repair and are not indicative of a larger problem.
Be they straight, jagged, or spiderweb-like, fine cracks in the basement floor commonly result from surface shrinkage as the concrete dries. They typically show up two to 12 months after the basement floor is poured, depending on how quickly the slab dries and how much humidity remains in the basement. Fear not: They are superficial and require no repair.
But it's a good idea to seal ⅛-inch or wider cracks.
The Normal Thing Cracking
Like their hairline cousins, slightly wider cracks in a basement floor are merely the result of shrinkage and do not indicate a larger problem. Anything wider than ⅛-inch, however, should be sealed to keep moisture, soil smells, or even soil-borne gases (see section on radon gas below) from seeping through the basement floor. You can seal them yourself with an elastomeric caulking sealant (view example on Amazon) made for use on concrete and masonry. Application methods vary by brand, so read product instructions carefully.
RELATED: 5 Simple Fixes for Worn Concrete
Seal perimeter cracks, which are caused when the concrete floor shrinks away from the foundation walls.
Failure to tie the concrete floor into the foundation wall with steel reinforcement during the initial pour can exacerbate this cracking issue, resulting in ½'-wide (or wider) cracks where the basement floor meets the wall. These cracks in the basement floor, like those appearing elsewhere, are not indicative of a structural problem but should be sealed in a similar manner using an elastomeric caulking product designed for use on interior masonry.
Spalling of the basement floor is unsightly but still acceptable.
Spalling, or patches of surface flaking, indicates that the concrete mix was too wet when poured. As a result, the water worked its way to the surface of the concrete during curing and weakened the top layer, which loosens and flakes off. It's unattractive but it doesn't urgently affect the integrity of the slab since the concrete below should still be in good shape. (It may continue to flake away, though, the longer you leave it unaddressed.)
Moderate joint cracking likewise helps to keep your joints from stiffening up– which's an advantage, Hayden adds. 'A rule of thumb when it comes to joints is that when motion is decreased, joints end up being less functional.'
However this does not suggest you need to attempt to require a fracture. Doing so consistently may cause long-lasting issue to your joint tissue and might risk destabilizing areas that support your body, such as the lower back. And in a delicate area like the neck, where there are arteries present, wrenching versus the natural plane and variety of motion might even lead to stroke, Hayden alerts.
It's fine if your bone's joints crack by themselves, but it's best to leave most intentional cracking to a chiropractic physician or osteopath.
Diet for Cracking Bones and Joints Relief
While you can't silence all the noise emanating from your joints, you can do something about it to secure and care for these workhorses. Eating a healthy diet, getting routine workout, and lessening factors that reduce bone health, such as smoking, can help keep your joints healthy, and possibly quieter as a result.
The dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate can help reduce pain and swelling in joints in some individuals, and might also help those with early or perhaps advanced osteoarthritis, states Dan Matthews, MD, spokesperson for the American Osteopathic Society for Sports Medicine. 'Cartilage and synovial fluid have these two elements in them, so you are enhancing that material in the body.'
And recent research shows that eating foods that reduce inflammation in the body– those including anti-oxidants and necessary fatty acids– benefits your joints, too. Anti-oxidants such as vitamins E, C, A, B5 and B6 help preserve cartilage and support its repair work. And important fatty acids, especially omega-3s like those found in nuts and cold-water fish, can help normalize joint function.
Routine workout keeps joints mobile and, by building muscle, more stable. It can also help you preserve a healthy weight, therefore lowering the concern on your joints. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) suggests a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise daily, even for people with osteoarthritis. (For folks with bone or joint damage, the AAOS advises moderate non-weight-bearing activity, such as swimming.) Being active helps enhance your bones and support healthy joints. Simply remember to integrate in time for rest and recovery.
'Cartilage requires the cycle of weight-bearing and relaxation to pump nutrients to the cells that keep its structure,' Brodeur discusses. 'Too much weight-bearing workout can harm the joint by tearing cartilage or displacing synovial fluid, robbing cells of the nutrients they have to survive.'
Like the majority of traits in our bodies, aging affects the joints. Diminished muscle mass, changes in cartilage and age-related stiffness all affect how your joints move and the kinds of sounds they make. Doctor state the best thing you can do for your body and your joints, no matter your age, is to enhance your general health.
'Stay mobile, stay active,' says Hayden. 'Joints need to be moved and regularly stressed in order to stay healthy. Even if they crackle.'
What is normal?
In general, it's quite simple to determine if your joint noise is typical. Routine pops and snaps are likely gas bubbles breaking within the fluid of the joint, or tendons moving position during movement then snapping back into place. A crunching or grinding sound, nevertheless, might indicate cartilage issue, and you may wish to have it checked out by a health care expert.
As a rule, any joint noises accompanied by pain, swelling, numbness or loss of stability are cause for issue. Sound without these symptoms is most likely harmless and may just be the side effect of feel-good changes within the body.
The Knuckle Popper
Knuckle cracking is the most common of all joint sounds. Most of us have heard (typically from our moms!) that it will result in arthritis, or potentially even worse. When researchers dismissed this insurance claim a few years back, some individuals felt they might begin to split at will, however medical specialists say that idea might be misdirected.
'While there is no proof that cracking your knuckles can cause arthritis or cause any change that can be measured with x-ray, that does not always mean it's a good idea,' says Raymond Brodeur, DC, PhD, adjunct professors of osteopathic manipulative medicine at Michigan State University in East Lansing. One research study revealed that regular knuckle cracking (provided for an average of 35 years) led to significantly weaker grip strength and a greater incidence of joint swelling. 'Weaker grip strength does have an impact on daily living– for instance, it would make opening a child-proof container a lot harder,' he says.
Startled at the sight of a crack in your basement flooring? Start here with this guide to determine whether or not you have anything to worry over.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Q: We moved into a new house and I just noticed some cracks in the basement floor. They don't look new, but I can't be sure. Should I be concerned? Do I need to call a professional to take a look, or can I fix the cracks myself?
A: Odds are, the cracks in your basement floor are not indicative of a bigger problem. Keep in mind that basement floors do not bear the weight of the house as basement walls do, so cracks in a basement floor won't affect your home's structural integrity. Still, occasionally, a floor crack can be the first sign of a larger issue. Use the following visual cues and clues to understand what cracks you've noticed could mean and whether or not you need to have them repaired.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Hairline cracks need no repair and are not indicative of a larger problem.
Be they straight, jagged, or spiderweb-like, fine cracks in the basement floor commonly result from surface shrinkage as the concrete dries. They typically show up two to 12 months after the basement floor is poured, depending on how quickly the slab dries and how much humidity remains in the basement. Fear not: They are superficial and require no repair.
But it's a good idea to seal ⅛-inch or wider cracks.
The Normal Thing Cracking
Like their hairline cousins, slightly wider cracks in a basement floor are merely the result of shrinkage and do not indicate a larger problem. Anything wider than ⅛-inch, however, should be sealed to keep moisture, soil smells, or even soil-borne gases (see section on radon gas below) from seeping through the basement floor. You can seal them yourself with an elastomeric caulking sealant (view example on Amazon) made for use on concrete and masonry. Application methods vary by brand, so read product instructions carefully.
RELATED: 5 Simple Fixes for Worn Concrete
Seal perimeter cracks, which are caused when the concrete floor shrinks away from the foundation walls.
Failure to tie the concrete floor into the foundation wall with steel reinforcement during the initial pour can exacerbate this cracking issue, resulting in ½'-wide (or wider) cracks where the basement floor meets the wall. These cracks in the basement floor, like those appearing elsewhere, are not indicative of a structural problem but should be sealed in a similar manner using an elastomeric caulking product designed for use on interior masonry.
Spalling of the basement floor is unsightly but still acceptable.
Spalling, or patches of surface flaking, indicates that the concrete mix was too wet when poured. As a result, the water worked its way to the surface of the concrete during curing and weakened the top layer, which loosens and flakes off. It's unattractive but it doesn't urgently affect the integrity of the slab since the concrete below should still be in good shape. (It may continue to flake away, though, the longer you leave it unaddressed.)
Unfortunately, since more spalling is likely to occur in the future, you can't simply hide the problem with paint; when the next layer flakes away, it will take the painted coat off with it. If the sight bothers you, though, consider coating the problem area with a concrete resurfacer. Or, install a basement-appropriate flooring—such as tile, indoor-outdoor carpeting, linoleum, or a floating laminate—over the concrete subfloor.
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RELATED: Solved! What to Do About Spalling Concrete
Cracks caused by settling can be filled and leveled.
The Normal Thing Cracked
Settling occurs when the foundation contractor either didn't sufficiently compact the soil before pouring or didn't use an adequate base, such as sand. As a result, the concrete slab cracks under its own weight and the half that is less supported sinks into the depression beneath. If the settled part of the slab sinks ½-inch or more, the resulting uneven surface can create a tripping hazard. Fortunately, the lower area can be filled with a self-leveling cement product (available from DIY centers for about $25 to $55) to mitigate incidents and injuries. Know that, if the floor is not done settling, you might have to repeat the leveling process in a few months. Settling of new construction should stop within 12 to 24 months; if you can wait it out, it might be best to apply the leveling product after that time.
When a section of the basement floor cracks and heaves slab upward, then you have a problem.
This sort of damage suggests soil expansion beneath the basement floor: Soil that contains clay will expand when it becomes wet, creating enough upward pressure to crack and lift a slab floor. While other basement cracks can often be tolerated, even ignored, cracks caused by heaving should be addressed and repaired, with measures taken to prevent recurrence.
Resolving cracks and unlevel floors caused by soil expansion is a job best left to the pros, who may advise and carry out solutions as extensive as replacing the basement floor and/or install an interior drain beneath the floor to collect future groundwater. These projects could run into the tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the basement. Of course, not all heaving will require a total replacement of the basement floor, but that's a call that should be made by a reputable foundation contractor.
No matter the scope or expense of repairs needed, you'll also want to reduce the risk of future heaving issues by directing water away from your home's foundation so it does not seep down and cause more problems. Consider these two preventative solutions:
- Check that drain tile is installed around the exterior of the foundation to collect groundwater and direct it to a sump bucket, where it's pumped away. If your home does not have drain tile or if the drain tile has collapsed, groundwater could be getting under the floor and causing the soil to expand.
- Grade your yard with a minimum 2 percent slope away from the foundation and installing guttering and downspouts.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Most basement cracks do not present a radon gas risk, but you should beware the possibility.
If you live in an area where radon gas is a problem, there is a chance that the gas could seep through cracks in your basement floor and into your home. You can find out whether you live near a radon zone on this US Environmental Protection Agency site. The EPA suggests keeping a radon detector in your home to be on the safe side. Like smoke detectors, radon detectors emit a loud beep when they detect dangerous levels of radon—a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas—in the air.
RELATED: 8 Dangerous Secrets Your Home May Be Hiding
If a radon detector (view example on Amazon) identifies a dangerous level of radon, the EPA recommends having your house professionally tested for radon. Homes that test positive should be treated by a licensed radon-mitigation contractor, who will seal all cracks and then take additional steps to eradicate the gas problem by installing a radon-reduction system that uses pressurized air, fans, or other methods of ventilating the gas away from the basement. Radon remediation typically costs $1,000 to $3,500 and may also increase your utility bills since electricity is required to run the ventilation system.
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