What is that cracking sound?
The use of proper terminology in all professions is a must in order to understand the dynamics of healing. Periodically during a chiropractic adjustment a small popping sound may be heard, which sounds similar to that produced by “popping” a knuckle. The source of this sound is actually a small pocket of nitrogenous gas being released when pressure comes off the joint space. The joint space is bathed in fluid and the gas bubble is released from there. All that being said, noise is really a non-issue. The powerful component is that at the moment of an adjustment, there is a dynamic release of nerve stress off the spinal cord, releasing positive healing chemicals and creating an optimal environment for healing throughout your body.
The cracking sound that is sometimes heard with an adjustment is simply air and fluid that is shifted in the joint when motion is introduced to the joint. A good comparison is when a bottle of champagne is opened and you hear a “pop”. You don’t always hear that sound during a treatment and it’s presence is irrelevant.
