If you've never had a chiropractic adjustment, the popping or cracking sound can be a little surprising.
You may even wonder:
What exactly just popped?
The good news is that the sound usually isn't your bones cracking or your vertebrae being “put back into place.”
It's generally a phenomenon called joint cavitation.
What Causes the Popping Sound?
Many joints in your spine are synovial joints.
These joints contain fluid and dissolved gases and are surrounded by a joint capsule.
When a joint is moved quickly during a chiropractic adjustment, pressure within the joint changes. This can result in the rapid formation of a gas-filled cavity within the joint fluid.
That process can create the familiar pop or crack.
It's similar to what can happen when you crack a knuckle.
Are Bones Rubbing Together?
No.
The popping sound doesn't mean bones are grinding, breaking or rubbing together.
And despite a common misconception, the sound doesn't mean a vertebra was “out of place” and suddenly snapped back into position.
A chiropractic adjustment applies a controlled force to a joint with the goal of affecting movement and symptoms.
Does an Adjustment Have to Pop to Work?
No.
This is one of the most important things to understand about chiropractic adjustments.
A loud pop doesn't necessarily mean you received a better adjustment.
And an adjustment that doesn't make any sound hasn't necessarily failed.
The sound itself isn't the treatment goal.
Some joints cavitate easily. Others don't. Different chiropractic techniques can also produce more or less joint noise.
Why Can an Adjustment Feel Good?
Some people experience an immediate change in stiffness, discomfort or movement following an adjustment.
That doesn't mean a bone was put back into place.
Spinal manipulation can temporarily influence joint movement, muscle tone and how the nervous system processes musculoskeletal sensation.
The response varies from person to person.
That's also why we shouldn't judge progress solely by whether something “cracked.”
Is the Popping Sound Dangerous?
For most appropriately selected patients, hearing a joint cavitation during an adjustment isn't itself a reason for concern.
However, chiropractic treatment should still begin with an appropriate history and examination.
Not every patient—or every condition—should receive the same type of adjustment.
Treatment can be modified based on factors such as:
- Age
- Symptoms
- Injury history
- Examination findings
- Bone health
- Medical history
- Patient preference
If a particular technique makes you uncomfortable, tell your chiropractor. There are often other treatment options.
Do You Have to Have Your Neck Cracked?
No.
You don't have to receive a high-velocity neck adjustment simply because you're seeing a chiropractor.
Depending on your condition and preferences, treatment for neck pain may include different types of mobilization or manipulation, exercise, rehabilitation and movement, soft-tissue treatment or other conservative approaches.
Your treatment should fit you, rather than forcing every patient into the same technique.
What About Cracking Your Own Back?
You may notice that twisting or stretching sometimes produces the same type of popping sound.
Occasional painless joint popping isn't necessarily a problem.
But repeatedly forcing your neck or back to crack because it constantly feels stiff isn't necessarily addressing why that sensation keeps returning.
If you're constantly trying to make the same area pop for temporary relief, it may be worth determining what's contributing to the recurring discomfort.
What Should a Chiropractic Adjustment Actually Accomplish?
The goal shouldn't be to create the loudest crack possible.
Instead, treatment should be focused on meaningful outcomes such as:
- Reducing pain
- Improving comfortable movement
- Returning to work or exercise
- Improving activity tolerance
- Restoring function
Depending on the problem, chiropractic care may also be combined with rehabilitation and movement, massage therapy or other appropriate treatment.
Chiropractic Care in Maple Grove, MN
At Northwood Chiropractic & Wellness, we start by evaluating what's bothering you and determining whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate.
If an adjustment is recommended, we'll explain what we're doing and why we're doing it.
And whether you hear a big pop, a small pop or no pop at all, the sound isn't how we determine whether your treatment was successful.
The goal is to help you feel better, move better and get back to the activities you enjoy.
Start Feeling Better for Just $19
Your first visit includes a consultation, comprehensive exam, X-rays if needed, and your first chiropractic adjustment when clinically appropriate.
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Dr. Greg Beenken
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