The popping or cracking
sounds that happens during an adjustment is a very misunderstood component
of chiropractic. Often patients will ask “can you crack me?”. Even though I
know exactly what they are referring to, this choice of words is incredibly
misleading. The physical mechanism that causes the audible sound during an
adjustment include nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas being released from the synovial fluid in the
joint, along with a rapid stretching of ligaments and muscles and an increase in range of
motion of the spine.
Furthermore, the audible
sound during a spinal adjustment happens in response to a sudden change in pressure
in the spinal joint. It’s similar to opening a champagne bottle or a pop can,
where the sudden pressure change causes the gas to release and a noise to
occur. So when people share their previous experience with chiropractic, we
often hear that their back and neck have been “popped or cracked”, followed by
a reduction in pain.
Although the pain relief is
clearly one of the goals of care, it is not the focus of what we do. A
chiropractor adjusts the spine. The chiropractic adjustment returns spinal
mobility, decreases stiffness and pain, and realigns spinal structure to
restore optimal function. This can lead to an overall healthy spine, healthy
body and healthy person.
Finally, it is important to
recognize that the adjustment (or the cracking noise) does not actually involve
anything cracking. There is no cracking of bones, or any actual bone rubbing on
bone friction. The mechanism of the adjustment allows movement of the spine,
which is incredibly safe, gentle and comfortable.
There are some chiropractic
techniques that adjust the spine without an audible sound. If you dislike the
sound of the adjustment, these techniques can be used to get your spine moving.
If you have any questions or wish to learn more, please contact me at dr.marleelameris@gmail.com
