07/17/2025
“Wait, so what actually causes that cracking sound at the chiropractor?”
Spoiler: it’s not your bones smashing together.
That “pop” you hear during an adjustment is called joint cavitation, a natural process caused by a quick change in pressure inside the joint space. It allows built-up gases (like carbon dioxide and nitrogen) to rapidly release from the synovial fluid, forming a bubble that collapses, which creates the sound.
⚠️ It’s not your spine grinding or bones shifting out of place. And no, it’s not the goal of the adjustment, it’s just a byproduct.
The goal is to improve joint movement, reduce pain, and restore function. Even if there’s no “crack,” a proper adjustment can still be effective!
If you’ve ever been hesitant about chiropractic care because of the sound, know that it’s normal, safe, and rooted in simple physics.
