This month’s blog posts will delve into what many of us have heard, that strange, yet to some almost satisfying, ‘crack’ or ‘pop’ sound, often heard during a chiropractic adjustment, or at times when having body work done such as physiotherapy or remedial massage.

Some people even try to emulate that sound for themselves by manipulating their joints (our Feel Amazing Chatswood Chiropractor will provide information on this later!).

Are the bones or joints really cracking? And if not, then what is that sound?!

There is a lot more to the amazing world of Chiropractic care than adjustments that create a ‘crack’ sound. For some people they feel that achieving that sound might mean the adjustment was ‘successful’ or something was manipulated ‘back into position’.

So, with this in mind, let’s talk about these views, offering you the answers to where that ‘crack’ or ‘pop’ really is coming from, and then, if you should really be cracking your own joints.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on treatment used by chiropractors to address musculoskeletal issues, particularly those involving the spine. The goal is to improve the function of the joints, reduce pain, and restore movement by applying controlled, precise forces to specific areas of the body.

An assessment will be initially carried out to understand the source of your pain, and restrictions in range of movement.

The treatment process then includes an adjustment.

Once the chiropractor identifies a misaligned or restricted joint, they will apply a quick, controlled force to the affected area, often with their hands, or using an activator (a small handheld device) to move the restricted joint to increase its mobility.

What are the suggested benefits of chiropractic adjustments?

Chiropractic adjustments aim to:

Restore proper alignment of the spine and joints
Improve joint mobility
Reduce muscle tension
Relieve pain
Improve nervous system function by reducing nerve irritation

Chiropractors also often provide recommendations for exercises, stretches, posture correction, and lifestyle changes to support long-term healing and prevent future issues. The treatment can be helpful for conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and some musculoskeletal injuries.

What types of adjustments are there?

Spinal adjustments: are the most common form of adjustments, targeting specific vertebrae in the spine to improve function and reduce discomfort. Spinal adjustments are often performed in a variety of positions, such as lying on your back or stomach, or even sitting up.

Other joint adjustments: Chiropractors may also adjust joints in the extremities (such as the shoulders, hips, knees, or wrists) if they are contributing to pain or dysfunction.

In conjunction with adjustments our Feel Amazing Chatswood Chiropractor spends the time needed by utilising soft tissue techniques to release the fascia, improve muscle release and to allow the body to then better adjust to and maintain the spinal and joint adjustments done.

Why use an activator?

The handheld activator is used where more precise and controlled action is needed to treat musculoskeletal conditions.

Benefits of the activator technique:

Gentler adjustments: The low-force nature of the activator makes it a popular choice for people who may not tolerate traditional manual adjustments. It’s especially helpful for individuals with conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, where high-force manipulation could be uncomfortable or possibly unsafe.
Precision: The Activator allows chiropractors to target specific areas with high precision, which can help to address misalignments or dysfunction in specific joints without affecting surrounding structures.
Non-invasive: The technique is non-invasive and involves no sharp thrusts, making it more appealing for some patients who prefer a gentler approach to chiropractic care.
Good for specific conditions: The activator is commonly used to treat conditions like:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Joint pain (in areas like the shoulders, hips, knees, and wrists)
- Sciatica
- Poor posture
- Muscle stiffness
Suitable for various patients: The Activator technique can be a good option for people with acute or chronic pain, pregnant women, children, or elderly individuals who need a softer touch.

What causes that ‘pop’ or ‘crack’ sound?

The activator makes a sound itself, but we are talking about that ‘pop’ or ‘crack’ that comes from the body. So, what is it?

The sound of joint cavitation, which is often described as a “pop” or “crack,” is primarily a result of gas being released from the synovial fluid in the joint. The formation of gas bubbles and their rapid collapse or reabsorption during an adjustment is what causes the sound.

So, in terms of the sound itself, it’s not necessarily a sign of a major physiological change in the body, but rather the result of the sudden change in pressure within the joint capsule.

Does it make a difference if it doesn’t make a sound?

While many people associate the sound with a sense of relief or therapeutic success, research indicates that the audible sound during joint manipulation does not correlate with improved outcomes such as pain relief, range of motion or overall functional improvement in patients with low back pain (LaPelusa et al. 2023*).

What this means for the adjustment itself

While the sound is not directly indicative of a structural or tissue change, the effect of the adjustment can be significant:

Joint mobility improvement: After cavitation, the joint may feel less stiff and more mobile, as the adjustment often leads to a reduction in joint restriction or tightness.
Reduction in muscle tension: The release of gas and realignment of the joint can also help reduce muscle spasms or tension surrounding the joint, leading to a feeling of relief or increased range of motion.
Neurophysiological effects: The cavitation process may trigger changes in the nervous system, helping to normalize joint function and promote pain relief by affecting the sensory nerve endings in and around the joint.

So, while the sound itself is just the gas release, it often correlates with a positive effect on the body, such as improved movement and pain relief. The actual change in the body is likely due to the improved function and movement of the joint, not the popping sound.

Therefore, the primary benefits of spinal manipulation stem from improved joint mobility and reduced muscle tension from the combination of treatment modalities your chiropractor provides (i.e. prescribed stretches, exercises, soft tissue work).

How could an adjustment make you feel?

Post-adjustment: After the adjustment, some people may experience immediate relief, increased mobility, or reduced pain.

In some cases, there might be mild soreness in the treated area, like how muscles might feel after a workout, but this typically subsides after a day or two.

Staying hydrated and going for a short walk after an adjustment can help maintain the treatment and reduce post-adjustment discomfort.

Chiropractors also often provide recommendations for exercises, stretches, posture correction, and lifestyle changes to support long-term healing and prevent future issues.

This treatment can be helpful for managing conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and some musculoskeletal injuries.

It’s important to note that chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe when performed by trained professionals, though not everyone may be a candidate for certain types of adjustments, particularly those with certain medical conditions. So, always provide your chiropractor with up-to-date information about your health and wellbeing and at Feel Amazing Chatswood we offer you the time and expertise needed to address your individual healthcare and wellness needs.

Keep an eye out for our next blog post which will discuss whether you should crack you own joints.

Book an appointment with our Feel Amazing Chiropractor