What Is That Popping Sound During a Chiropractic Adjustment?

If you have been adjusted before by a chiropractor you may have noticed a popping sound, that may seem a little strange. Many people think all kinds of strange things about this popping sound, so let’s set the record straight.

Chiropractic adjustments help improve spinal function

Joint Cavitation

The popping sound is only the formation of gas within a joint – otherwise knowns as joint cavitation. It is no more significant than any other gas release from the body.

Getting an adjustment

So keep in mind next time you get adjusted by your chiropractor that the popping sound doesn’t have anything to do with bones grinding or rubbing, but instead is simply gas bubbles forming within a joint as your adjustment separates two joint surfaces that are close together.

References

1. Kawchuk GN, Fryer J, Jaremko JL, et al. Real-time visualization of joint cavitation. PLoS One 2015;10(4):e0119470.
2. Powers T, Kelsberg G, Safranek S. Does knuckle popping lead to arthritis? 2016
3. Cleland JA, Flynn TW, Childs JD, et al. The audible pop from thoracic spine thrust manipulation and its relation to short-term outcomes in patients with neck pain. Journal of manual & manipulative therapy 2007;15(3):143-54.
4. Cramer GD, Ross JK, Raju P, et al. Distribution of cavitations as identified with accelerometry during lumbar spinal manipulation. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics 2011;34(9):572-83.
5. Williams JM, Cuesta-Vargas A. Quantification of Prone Thoracic Manipulation Using Inertial Sensor–Derived Accelerations. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2014;37(4):230-35.
6. Protopapas MG, Cymet TC. Joint cracking and popping: understanding noises that accompany articular release. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine 2002;102(5):283-87.