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As a chiropractor one of the most common questions I get asked is around the “cracking” and what causes the noise when performing an adjustment. There is a good chance if you’re reading this that you’ve seen a chiropractor before, so perhaps you’ve asked this question or at least thought about it. But maybe you haven’t been to see a chiropractor because you’re worried about the adjustment and whether cracking of the joints is painful or even good for you.
In this blog post I will explain what the noise is and why it happens during a chiropractic adjustment. But firstly I think it’s important to explain what a chiropractic adjustment is, and if performed correctly how this can be an extremely beneficial treatment tool for not only your pain, but prolonged and proactive health.
Chiropractors often use their hands to apply a quick, controlled force to improve and restore movement of joints, particularly of the spine. This is known as an “adjustment” or “chiropractic adjustment”. It is the quick movement, or gapping of the joint which creates the cracking noise (more on this later).
The adjustment itself is more than just cracking joints though. The increased movement of the joint helps to deliver a strong sensory input through the nervous system by activation or stimulation of the small nerve endings within the joints. This essentially helps your brain to recognise the movement and improve your perception of pain and proprioception (the sensory awareness of joint position, movement and balance). This is the desired effect of the adjustment, and often when performed correctly and following a suitable treatment plan these changes will be noticeable.
So if the desired therapeutic effect of the adjustment is to provide a neurological stimulus to reduce pain, improve movement and enhanced sensory control then where does the “cracking” fit into all of this and is it necessary? Well quite simply the popping or cracking noise is simply a byproduct of the adjustment – it is not the desired effect. The noise itself is a normal and harmless occurrence that is often referred to as joint cavitation.
Joint cavitation occurs when gas bubbles are formed within the synovial fluid that surrounds the joints. When these gas bubbles are rapidly compressed and decompressed, such as during a chiropractic adjustment, they create a popping sound. The noise is similar to the sound of cracking your knuckles, and is caused by the sudden release of pressure within the joint.
Despite its alarming sound, joint cavitation is generally considered to be a safe and effective technique for alleviating pain and improving mobility. Many people ask if the sound comes from the bones of the joints rubbing together, this is not the case and it’s a process that happens in perfectly healthy joints. It’s also important to mention that the popping sound does not cause arthritis; studies have shown that habitual knuckle cracking is in no way associated with arthritis.
In addition to being safe, chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful. While patients may experience some discomfort during the adjustment process, this is typically due to tension in the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint, rather than the adjustment itself. Many patients report feeling immediate relief after an adjustment, and the vast majority report experiencing no pain or discomfort at all.
The noise that is often heard during a chiropractic adjustment is a harmless and normal occurrence that is caused by the release of gas bubbles within the joint. Chiropractic adjustments are generally considered to be safe and effective, and can provide a range of neurological benefits in addition to improving joint function and reducing pain.
