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21st March 2025
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- 02 9712 1736
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- 212 Great North Road, Five Dock, NSW 2046
- Open 7 days a week
That distinctive popping sound during a chiropractic adjustment – we’ve all heard it, and many find it oddly satisfying. But what’s actually happening inside your joints when you hear that sound? Today, we’re diving into the fascinating science behind these noises and what they mean for your treatment.
What you’re hearing during a chiropractic adjustment isn’t actually your joints “cracking” at all. The scientific term for this phenomenon is “cavitation,” and it’s more about gas physics than bone movement. When a qualified healthcare professional performs an adjustment, they create a specific force and movement that temporarily increases the space within your joint. This quick separation creates a sudden drop in pressure within the joint capsule.
Here’s where it gets interesting: your joints contain synovial fluid, which helps with lubrication and movement. This fluid contains dissolved gases, primarily nitrogen and carbon dioxide. When the pressure drops during an adjustment, the dissolved gases rapidly release from the fluid, similar to when you open a carbonated beverage. The gases form a bubble, which quickly collapses, creating that characteristic popping sound.
Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics has shown that several things happen simultaneously during a chiropractic adjustment. Beyond the cavitation process, the controlled movement can help improve joint mobility and affect surrounding soft tissues. The joint capsule stretches slightly, and specialized nerve endings in the area are stimulated.
This process is similar to when you crack your knuckles but with one crucial difference: professional adjustments are performed with specific, controlled force and direction, targeting particular joints to achieve therapeutic benefits.
Understanding the science behind joint sounds can help put your mind at ease about their safety. A 2018 systematic review in the journal Manual Therapy found no evidence that joint cavitation during professional treatment causes harm to healthy joints. However, the review found it’s essential to note that the benefits of treatment come from the overall therapeutic intervention, not from the sound itself.
The effects of professional manual therapy can include:
Let’s address some common misconceptions about joint sounds during treatment:
Myth 1: If there’s no cracking sound, the adjustment doesn’t work. Research shows the therapeutic benefits can occur whether or not an audible sound is heard during treatment.
Myth 2: Frequent joint sounds mean you’re developing arthritis. Fact: Studies, including a long-term research project published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, have found no connection between joint cavitation and the development of arthritis.
Myth 3: Once you start getting adjustments, you’ll always need them. Fact: The need for ongoing care depends on your health conditions, goals, and treatment plan determined by your healthcare provider.
While the popping sounds during professional treatment are normal, not all joint sounds are created equal. You should consult a healthcare professional if you experience:
Understanding the science behind the chiropractic cracking sound helps demystify the experience. It highlights the importance of receiving care from qualified professionals. Chiropractors understand the precise mechanics involved in therapeutic joint manipulation, which will instil a sense of confidence in the treatment process.
So remember, when you are receiving treatment or trying to decide if you had a good treatment, that while the joint sounds can be satisfying, they’re just one small part of a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal health. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers who can assess your individual needs and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
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About
Five Dock Osteopathic & Chiropractic is located in Canada Bay, in Sydney’s Inner West. Servicing suburbs including Burwood, Croydon, Drummoyne, Five Dock, Haberfield, Concord, Abbotsford, Chiswick, Leichhardt, Wareemba, Russell Lea, Summer Hill, Strathfield.
Clinic hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 7AM – 7PM
Wednesday, Friday 7AM – 6PM
Saturday 7AM – 2PM
Sunday 8AM – 2PM
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