What is That Popping Sound During a Chiropractic Adjustment?
- Brennan Dynes
- Sep 13, 2023
- 3 min read
Introduction:
In the world of healthcare, there are many mysterious and intriguing phenomena that can leave people curious and sometimes a bit apprehensive. Chiropractic adjustments fall into this category. If you've ever experienced or witnessed a chiropractic session, you might have heard a distinct popping sound, often likened to popcorn popping or a knuckle cracking. This intriguing auditory element is just one facet of the fascinating world of chiropractic care.
In this blog post, we will delve into the science behind chiropractic adjustments, the source of that enigmatic popping sound, and why it's a positive sign of healing and improved joint health. So, sit back, relax, and let's embark on a journey to demystify the popping sound during chiropractic adjustments.
What is an Adjustment?
Before we dive into the mechanics of the popping sound, let's first understand what chiropractic adjustments are and why they are performed. Chiropractic care utilizes a holistic approach to health that focuses on the relationship between the spine, muscles, and nervous system. Chiropractors believe that poor spinal mobility results from, or contributes to various musculoskeletal health issues.
Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are one of the primary techniques used by chiropractors to correct restricted movement in the joints of the spine and extremities. These adjustments involve applying a precise and controlled force to specific areas of the spine to restore proper motion. The force is applied with high velocity and low amplitude, this means a fast but light pulse into the joints. Through various neurophysiological mechanisms, chiropractic adjustments can alleviate pain, restore joint mobility, and help improve recovery from injury.
What is The Sound?
The sound you hear when your joints are adjusted is often described as a popping or cracking sound. This sound is caused by the release of gas bubbles from the joint fluid (synovial fluid) that lubricates your joints. It is not caused by the bones clicking past one another.
The fluid providing lubrication within your joints, called synovial fluid, contains gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. When a joint is manipulated, such as during a chiropractic adjustment, the pressure within the joint changes, causing the gases to rapidly escape from the fluid and form small bubbles or cavities within the joint space. The sound you hear is the result of those bubbles rapidly collapsing, creating a popping or cracking sound. This physical process is known as tribonucleation (or cavitation) and is a normal and natural occurrence during joint manipulation.
It's important to note that while the popping sound may be unsettling it is generally not a cause for concern. In fact, many people experience a sense of relief and improved mobility after a joint adjustment.
Conclusion:
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health and wellness that aims to improve joint mobility and improve function. The popping sound you hear during chiropractic adjustments is not a cause for concern but rather an indication that positive changes are happening within your body.
So, the next time you visit a chiropractor and hear that intriguing popping sound, remember that it is a sound of healing. Chiropractic adjustments are a fascinating blend of science and art, and that enigmatic sound is just one of the many notes in this approach to healthcare.
References:
Kawchuk GN, Fryer J, Jaremko JL, Zeng H, Rowe L, Thompson R. Real-time visualization of joint cavitation. PLoS One. 2015 Apr 15;10(4):e0119470. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119470. PMID: 25875374; PMCID: PMC4398549.F2
Video Demonstrating Real-Time Joint Cavitation
Comments