My theory is that tidal forces (e.g. gravity) to which the Earth is unaccustomed are straining the bond that holds the core of the Earth to the mantle, causing the Earth to groan from the strain. If the core should completely detach from the mantle then we could experience an abrupt physical pole shift rather than merely tilting on our axis as we have been. So, in a sense, that moaning from the Earth is sort of a good sign - it means the Earth is holding itself together, with difficulty. That's my theory anyway.