If you’ve ever received a chiropractic adjustment at Whyte Chiropractic, you’ve probably noticed a popping sound during the adjustment—especially when your spine or neck is involved. This sound can catch some patients off guard, but it’s completely normal. The popping sound you hear is a natural part of many spinal adjustments, and it doesn’t indicate anything harmful. So what does it actually mean when you hear cracking or popping during treatment?
What Causes the Popping Sound?
The popping sound is caused by a process called joint cavitation. When a chiropractor at Whyte Chiropractic performs an adjustment, they apply a quick, controlled force to the joint, which slightly separates the joint surfaces. This change reduces the pressure within the joint capsule, where there’s a mixture of liquid and gas within the space. As the pressure drops, gas bubbles rapidly form and collapse, producing the popping sound.
It’s similar to the sound you hear when you crack your knuckles. The knuckle made the popping sound because of the formation of gas within the joint—not because anything was breaking or shifting dangerously. This same mechanism applies to your spinal joints when you’re getting adjusted.
Is It Normal to Hear the Sound?
Absolutely. At Whyte Chiropractic, we often explain that the popping sound you hear during a chiropractic adjustment is nothing to be concerned about. The noise can vary from patient to patient—some hear when a chiropractor adjusts their neck or back, while others may not. Both experiences are completely normal. In fact, popping or cracking during an adjustment occurs in perfectly healthy joints and is not associated with any clinical or radiographic evidence of damage.
Research has even used video magnetic resonance imaging to show that the popping sound is simply caused by bubbles forming within a joint. It’s not related to arthritis, lower back pain, or any condition. So whether you hear the noise or not, the treatment is still effective.
Does the Popping Sound Mean the Adjustment Worked?
The short answer? No. The popping sound doesn’t have anything to do with how effective the adjustment is. When your chiropractor adjusts you, it’s the skill and precision of the spinal manipulation that matters—not whether you get a popping sound.
Some patients at Whyte Chiropractic love the audible feedback, while others prefer silent adjustments. Whether your chiropractor adjusted you with a loud crack or not, the goal is always to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore proper function—especially if you’re dealing with neck pain or lower back pain.
Is It Like Cracking Your Own Knuckles?
Kind of, but with some important differences. While both involve the release of gas from the body, the intent and method are completely different. When you crack your knuckles, it’s usually out of habit. When a licensed chiropractor at Whyte Chiropractic performs an adjustment, it’s done with clinical precision and purpose.
We target specific joints and use techniques tailored to your needs—especially important for patients experiencing chronic pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion. The adjustment speed means the joint is moved just fast enough to achieve the release without causing harm.
Also, habitual knuckle cracking hasn’t been shown to cause harm, but it doesn’t offer the same benefits as a chiropractic adjustment, which can reduce pain, improve function, and support overall wellness.
Contact Whyte Chiropractic For An Adjustment
The next time you visit Whyte Chiropractic and hear when a chiropractor adjusts your back or neck, remember: that popping sound is just joint cavitation—the harmless result of gas release caused by pressure changes between joint surfaces that are close together. It’s simply a change in state between liquid and gas within the joint.
Whether or not you hear the popping sound makes no difference in how effective the treatment is. So sit back, relax, and know that the popping sound during your adjustment is just part of how chiropractic care works to help you feel better. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for an adjustment.