What is the “popping noise” associated with a spinal adjustment/manipulation?
With spinal manipulation the joints open and close very quickly and painlessly and much of the time a tiny air bubble forms inside the joint, which “pops”. When several joints move simultaneously the patient may experience a “cracking” or “crunching” sound or sensation, which is perfectly normal and harmless. In reality, joints are not “cracked” even though this term is often used by the public to describe manipulation.
