That's a very interesting way to describe it, and had not considered using the rain sticks as a way to express it. I'm not on any drug cocktail, btw, but do have nerve message problems. However, this type of thing happens when my spine is out of place somewhat (verterbraes have minds of their own?) in the neck. I only get it upon movement, when the bone spurs in the spinal canal ... ... feel pressure from inflammation?

Anyway, cartilege and the like can crackle like that ...I think my PT calls it crepitation?