What's That Popping Sound

What’s That Popping Sound at the Chiropractor? (And Is It Bad?)

If you’ve ever had a chiropractic adjustment, or watched one online, you’ve probably heard a “pop” or “crack” when a joint is moved. Some people love the sound. Others aren’t so sure what to make of it.

Let’s clear the air: that sound isn’t anything breaking, and it’s definitely not something to fear. It’s actually a normal, harmless part of many adjustments.

In this post, we’ll explain what causes the sound, when it happens (and when it doesn’t), and bust some common chiropractic myths while we’re at it.

What Causes the Popping Sound?

The technical term for that “pop” is joint cavitation. It’s caused by a quick change in pressure inside the joint.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Your joints are surrounded by fluid that helps them move smoothly
• That fluid contains tiny gas bubbles
• When a chiropractor adjusts a joint, the pressure inside changes rapidl
• This pressure shift causes the gas bubbles to collapse or shift, creating the audible “pop”

It’s similar to the sound you hear when you crack your knuckles. The same science applies.

The pop is not your bones cracking or rubbing. It’s just a change in air pressure inside the joint space.

Does the Pop Mean the Adjustment Worked?

Not necessarily. A successful chiropractic adjustment doesn’t need to make a sound to be effective.

Some adjustments are done so gently or slowly that you won’t hear anything. Others involve areas of the body where cavitation is less likely to happen. That doesn’t mean they aren’t working.

What matters most is the result, not the sound. Chiropractors are trained to assess motion, alignment, and joint function, not just listen for a pop.

Common Myths About the Chiropractic Pop

Let’s break down a few things people often get wrong about that cracking sound:

❌ Myth #1: “That sound means something broke.”

Truth: Nothing is breaking. Cavitation is just a pressure change inside the joint. It's completely normal and not damaging.

❌ Myth #2: “If there’s no pop, the adjustment didn’t work.”

Truth: The effectiveness of an adjustment isn’t based on sound. Many beneficial techniques don’t produce any noise at all.

❌ Myth #3: “Cracking your back too much is bad for you.”

Truth: Self-manipulation (like twisting your own neck or back) can sometimes cause strain if done repeatedly or incorrectly. But chiropractic adjustments are controlled, specific, and based on years of training. It’s not the same as cracking your own joints.

Is the Pop Safe?

Yes, when done by a trained, licensed chiropractor, adjustments that cause cavitation are safe for most people. Chiropractors are highly trained to know when, where, and how to adjust each joint based on your unique health history and exam.

Some people may not be candidates for certain types of adjustments (like those with osteoporosis or severe joint instability), but in those cases, your chiropractor will use alternative methods that are just as effective and usually quieter.

Bottom Line: Don’t Fear the Pop

The sound of a chiropractic adjustment can be surprising at first, but it’s completely normal and nothing to worry about. It’s not the goal of the adjustment, and it’s not a sign of damage. It’s simply a natural part of restoring healthy movement in the joints.

Got More Questions About Chiropractic?

At Active Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we’re here to take the mystery out of chiropractic care. Whether you’re new to adjustments or just curious about how it all works, we’ll walk you through everything and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.