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What the Popping Sound During an Adjustment Actually Is
The noise during a chiropractic adjustment is not bone cracking. Here is what is really happening, and why the sound is not a measure of success.
Short answer
The sound is gas moving inside the fluid of a joint as pressure changes, called cavitation. It is harmless, and an adjustment can be perfectly effective with no sound at all.
Cavitation, in plain language
Spinal joints are surrounded by a capsule filled with fluid, and that fluid holds dissolved gas. When the joint is moved quickly through a small range, the pressure inside drops and the gas forms a bubble. That is the pop.
It is the same mechanism as knuckles. It is not bones grinding, and it is not anything being put back into place with force.
Why silence is not failure
Several techniques used in this office are deliberately low force and produce no noise at all, including instrument-assisted work and flexion-distraction. The goal is restored motion, not sound effects.
What patients usually feel
Most people describe brief pressure and then a release of stiffness. Some feel mildly sore for a day, in the way you feel after a new workout. Sharp or lasting pain is not expected, and should be reported.
Meet your chiropractor
Meet Dr. Dean Younker
Dr. Dean Younker took over Peak Performance in 1997 and has cared for patients in Grand Junction ever since. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Northern Colorado and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland University in Kansas City. He is a member of the Colorado Chiropractic Association and the Grand Junction Chiropractor Association.
“Because no two patients are the same, here at Peak Performance, we take the time to listen to each patient. We then develop a personalized treatment plan. Our promise is to help you live your life better.”
Related Pages
Medical disclaimer
This page is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results vary from person to person and no outcome is guaranteed. Always speak with a qualified provider about your own situation, and call 911 for a medical emergency.
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