chiropractic adjustment

What Is The ‘Crack’ Sound When I Get Adjusted By My Chiropractor?

Last updated on January 15, 2025

The crack sound you hear during a chiropractic adjustment is often referred to as cavitation. This phenomenon occurs when gas bubbles in the synovial fluid surrounding your joints are rapidly released. When a chiropractor applies a specific force to a joint, it creates a change in pressure within the joint capsule.

As the pressure drops, the dissolved gases in the fluid—primarily carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen—can form bubbles. When these bubbles collapse or burst, they produce the characteristic “cracking” or “popping” sound that many people associate with chiropractic adjustments.

It’s important to note that the sound itself is not an indication of the effectiveness of the adjustment. Many patients may experience relief and improved mobility regardless of whether or not they hear the crack. Additionally, some joints may not make a sound at all during an adjustment, and this is perfectly normal.

Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper alignment, improve joint function, and alleviate pain. The sound is simply a byproduct of the process and does not signify any harm or injury. If you have concerns about the adjustments or the sounds you hear, it’s best to discuss them with your chiropractor, who can provide more personalized information based on your specific situation.

At Ripple Chiropractic our purpose is to adjust (that’s what our treatments are called)… we adjust the Nervous System via the spine. 

While our spine assists in keeping us standing tall and allows for movement of our body, its primary concern is actually PROTECTION of our nervous system (our nervous system is made up of the brain, the spinal cord and all of the nerves in the body). Because our nervous system runs every single function within our body and is very delicate, our spine is designed to keep it safe so you can continue to function and be healthy. 

We like to think of our spine as a SUIT OF ARMOUR and our skull like a HELMET. Like any suit of armour, it has weaknesses and when exposed to constant stress it can become damaged. 

As Chiropractors we want to keep our spine healthy because at the end of the day, the healthier our spine is the healthier our nervous system will be and the better it will function. 

What Is An Adjustment & What's That ‘Popping' Sound?

Chiropractor cracking, often referred to as spinal manipulation or joint adjustment, is a common technique used by chiropractors to alleviate pain and improve mobility. During a chiropractic session, the practitioner uses their hands or specialised instruments to apply controlled force to specific joints in the spine or other areas of the body.

Patients often report a popping or cracking sound during these adjustments, which is caused by the release of gas bubbles that have built up in the synovial fluid surrounding the joints. This sound can be startling but is generally harmless. Many individuals seek chiropractic care for various issues, such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and even joint problems.

Chiropractors typically perform a thorough assessment before proceeding with adjustments, which may include a physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic imaging if necessary. The goal of chiropractic care is not only to relieve pain but also to restore proper alignment and function to the musculoskeletal system, ultimately promoting overall health and well-being.

A chiropractic adjustment is a specific, high-velocity (fast), low amplitude (depth) thrust directed in the direction of your joint’s natural plane of motion. As a result, this gaps the two spinal joint surfaces creating a suction within the adjoining joint capsules (fluid-filled) this causes gas to be released – that’s what the ‘crack’ or ‘popping’ sound is. Simply put, gas is being released from within the two joint surfaces. This results in a temporary increase in joint function and takes the pressure off your spine and nervous system. Now, the sound is merely an aftereffect of an adjustment and doesn’t necessarily need to happen to be deemed a successful adjustment.

Be sure to check out our other blogs or conditions we option see in our office to see if you would benefit from chiropractic care. 

Our chiropractors take a thorough history and examination to ensure chiropractic is appropriate for you and can also give you guidance if you need a different modality. 

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