What Are the Popping Sounds During an Adjustment?

Many chiropractic patients hear popping or cracking sounds as their chiropractors adjust their spines. Some patients worry about this sound however, research shows that popping is simply the release of gas bubbles from the spine itself. The medical term is tribonucleation and it happens as space opens between the bony vertebrae in the back. Such sounds are completely harmless.

This popping or cracking in actuality are irrelevant to short or long-term therapeutic outcomes. In other words, the presence of popping sounds, as well as the lack of them, are not indicative of whether your adjustments are effective. This can only be determined by the specific adjustment techniques used by your chiropractor. Sometimes, proper techniques will generate popping, and sometimes they won’t.

So should you worry about popping sounds during spinal adjustments? The answer is no. Instead, focus on coming in for regular adjustments both for preventative and maintenance care. Schedule an appointment here today!