Why Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Sometimes Make a Popping Sound?
If you have ever had a chiropractic adjustment, you may have heard a small pop, click or cracking sound during the movement.
For some people, it is completely unexpected.
For others, it can be the first thing they notice during an appointment.
So what actually causes the sound?
In many cases, the sound comes from a rapid change in pressure within a joint, rather than bones cracking or being forced back into place.
Importantly, the sound itself is not a measure of whether an adjustment was successful.
An adjustment can be performed without an audible pop, and not every person will experience the same sensation or sound.
What actually makes the popping sound?
Joints contain fluid that helps them move smoothly.
When a joint is moved or gently manipulated, the pressure within the joint can change quickly.
This can create a phenomenon known as cavitation, which can produce the familiar popping or cracking sound.
Think about cracking your knuckles.
The sound does not mean that the bones are breaking.
A similar principle can explain some of the sounds associated with joint manipulation.
It is not your bones cracking:
The word “cracking” can make the process sound much more dramatic than it is.
In a typical joint pop, the sound is not caused by bones breaking against each other.
It is also not necessarily a sign that something has been “put back into place”.
The exact source of an audible joint sound can vary depending on the movement and the joint involved.
Does a louder pop mean a better adjustment?
No.
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
A loud pop does not mean an adjustment was more effective.
Likewise, a quiet adjustment is not automatically less effective.
The goal of chiropractic care should not be to produce as many popping sounds as possible.
Instead, treatment should be based on your symptoms, history, examination findings and individual needs.
The sound is a possible by-product of some joint movements, not the goal of treatment.
Why doesn’t every adjustment make a sound?
You may have an adjustment one day that produces a pop and another appointment where you hear nothing.
That can be completely normal.
Whether an audible sound occurs can depend on:
- the joint being moved
- the technique used
- the position of the joint
- how quickly the movement occurs
- individual differences in joint mobility
- whether the joint has recently been manipulated
Some chiropractic techniques are also designed to use slower, gentler movements or other approaches that may not produce an audible sound.
This is why you should not judge the treatment by whether you hear a crack.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
An adjustment should be explained to you beforehand, including what you may feel during the technique.
Some people describe a brief sense of pressure or movement.
Others notice very little.
The experience depends on the technique used and the individual.
If a movement is painful or something does not feel right, tell your chiropractor.
Communication matters during treatment.
You should feel comfortable asking what is being done, why it is being recommended and what you can expect to feel.
Can you get addicted to the popping sensation?
Some people enjoy the feeling of cracking their joints because it can provide a temporary sense of release.
But wanting to hear a pop is different from needing repeated treatment.
If you find yourself repeatedly twisting or forcing your neck or back simply to make it crack, it is worth being cautious.
Forcefully manipulating your own neck, particularly into end-range positions, is not the same as receiving an appropriately assessed clinical technique.
If you regularly feel the need to crack an area because it feels uncomfortable, it may be more useful to understand why the discomfort keeps returning.
Is chiropractic adjustment safe?
Chiropractic care can be appropriate for some people with musculoskeletal problems, but no healthcare treatment is completely risk-free.
The suitability of an adjustment depends on factors such as your health history, symptoms, medications, previous injuries and examination findings.
A qualified practitioner should consider whether a particular technique is appropriate for you.
Some techniques may also be modified or avoided depending on your circumstances.
This is one reason an individual assessment is important rather than assuming the same treatment is suitable for everyone.
What should you tell your chiropractor before an adjustment?
Before treatment, let your chiropractor know about relevant changes in your health or symptoms.
This can include:
- a recent injury
- new or unexplained symptoms
- numbness or weakness
- significant changes in your pain
- previous surgery
- relevant medical conditions
- medications or other treatments
- symptoms that make certain movements uncomfortable
This information helps your practitioner determine whether a particular approach is appropriate.
FAQ
What causes the popping sound during a chiropractic adjustment?
A rapid change in pressure within a joint can produce an audible sound, often referred to as cavitation. The sound is not caused by bones breaking.
Does a louder chiropractic crack mean a better adjustment?
No. The volume of a popping sound does not indicate whether an adjustment was effective. An adjustment can be appropriate without producing any audible sound.
Is it normal if my chiropractor doesn’t make my back crack?
Yes. Not every adjustment produces a popping sound. The technique used, the joint involved and individual factors can all affect whether an audible sound occurs.
Does a chiropractic adjustment put bones back into place?
The idea that an audible pop means a bone has been put back into place is an oversimplification. Chiropractic treatment should be based on an individual’s symptoms, history and examination findings.
Can a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
People can experience different sensations during and after treatment. Some may feel brief pressure or movement, while others may experience temporary soreness. Tell your chiropractor if a technique causes significant pain or feels uncomfortable.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some musculoskeletal conditions, but treatment is not risk-free and suitability depends on the individual. A practitioner should consider your history, symptoms and examination findings before recommending a technique.
Curious about whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your symptoms? An individual assessment can help determine which treatment options may be suitable based on your history, symptoms and examination findings. Wellbeing Chiropractic has clinics across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Book an appointment to discuss your concerns and ask any questions you have before treatment.
