Hearing a popping or clicking sound when manipulating the nose is a common experience, often compared to cracking one’s knuckles. This audible release of pressure can feel satisfying, leading to the deliberate habit of attempting a “nasal pop.” Due to the nose’s delicate structure, the underlying mechanism and potential consequences are distinct from cracking joints. This article explores the anatomy behind the nasal click, the common methods used to achieve it, and the potential risks associated with repeatedly stressing the structure.
The Anatomy of the Nasal Click
The nose’s structure is a complex framework primarily composed of bone and cartilage, which dictates the sound produced during a “nasal pop.” The central partition of the nose is the nasal septum, a structure made of both bone and hyaline cartilage, which divides the nasal cavity into two halves. This septal cartilage is the main contributor to the nose’s support and shape, articulating with several other cartilaginous plates and the bony skeleton.
The clicking sound itself is not typically the result of joint cavitation, which is the collapse of gas bubbles in synovial fluid and the accepted cause of knuckle-cracking. Instead, the nasal pop is attributed to the rapid movement and friction between the different pieces of cartilage or where the cartilage meets the underlying bone. When external pressure is applied, the septal cartilage and the adjacent upper and lower lateral cartilages can slightly shift or shear against one another. This momentary, low-resistance movement between the cartilaginous components creates the audible click.
The cartilages involved, particularly the upper lateral cartilages (ULCs) and lower lateral cartilages (LLCs), form a system under tension provided by the central septal cartilage. Any manipulation that momentarily overcomes this internal tension can cause a rapid, small displacement, generating the characteristic sound. This movement is a slight change in the position of these plates as they rub against each other or the surrounding bone.
Techniques for Inducing the Nasal Pop
The methods people use to intentionally induce a nasal click all involve applying specific, targeted pressure to the external cartilage framework. One common technique focuses on the nasal bridge, where the upper lateral cartilages meet the bone. This involves placing the thumb and forefinger on either side of the nose, near the top of the lateral wall, and applying gentle, focused lateral pressure. The force is directed inward and slightly downward, aiming to momentarily shift the junction between the cartilage and the nasal bones.
Another method targets the lower, more mobile cartilages near the tip of the nose. A person might apply upward pressure to the nasal tip, or columella, with a single finger while simultaneously rotating the tip slightly to one side. This maneuver attempts to create a shearing force between the flexible lower lateral cartilages and the more rigid septal cartilage. The intention is to briefly push the cartilages out of their resting alignment, leading to the clicking sound as they snap back or articulate against each other.
A third approach involves attempting to twist the nose slightly by grasping the lower third with the thumb and index finger. The goal is to introduce a torque force that acts directly on the septal cartilage and its connections to the surrounding structures. The pressure is applied in a quick, rotational motion, which can cause one of the cartilaginous plates to momentarily slip and then return to its stable position.
Safety Concerns and Potential Risks
Despite the satisfying feeling, repeatedly manipulating the nose to induce a pop carries specific safety concerns due to the delicate nature of the nasal structure. The most immediate risk is the potential for minor, superficial injury to the surrounding soft tissues and blood vessels. Excessive or aggressive force can cause immediate pain, bruising, or damage to the small capillaries just beneath the skin, resulting in a nosebleed.
A more serious, though rare, complication is the development of a septal hematoma, which is a collection of blood that forms between the septal cartilage and the overlying membrane. This condition is concerning because the blood pocket can deprive the cartilage of its blood supply, potentially leading to the death of the tissue and subsequent structural collapse, a condition known as a saddle nose deformity. Even without this extreme consequence, repeated trauma to the cartilage can cause it to become hypermobile or lead to structural changes over time.
While a single, low-force pop is unlikely to cause lasting damage, frequently stressing the cartilage may contribute to a pre-existing or developing deviated septum. The nasal structure is intended to be stable, and persistent manipulation can weaken the support system provided by the septal cartilage. Individuals should immediately stop the practice if they experience pain, persistent swelling, bleeding, or a noticeable change in the nose’s appearance. Furthermore, manipulation should never be attempted if there has been a recent injury, surgery, or if there is any underlying structural concern.