At Neurohealth Wellness, we understand that the human body often communicates through various sounds, and the most commonly heard sound in a chiropractic clinic is the infamous "crack" or "pop" during an adjustment. This sound has intrigued many, and you may have wondered what exactly is causing it. Is it dangerous? Does it signify something wrong? Let’s explore the science behind this phenomenon and how chiropractic care plays a pivotal role in optimising your joint health and mobility.
The Science Behind Joint Movements and Cavitation
Before we dive into what causes the “cracking” sound, it's essential to understand the anatomy of your joints. The most common joints in the body are diarthrodial joints (also called synovial joints). These include the spine, knees, elbows, and fingers. These joints are composed of two smooth joint surfaces that are covered by cartilage, which enables smooth movement. Surrounding these joint surfaces is a joint capsule, which contains synovial fluid.
Synovial fluid plays a vital role in maintaining joint health. Not only does it act as a lubricant to reduce friction, but it also provides essential nutrients to the cartilage, including oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. These components help to nourish the joints and maintain their full range of motion. Ligaments and muscles surrounding the joints further contribute to stability and flexibility.
What Causes the Cracking Sound?
So, what actually causes the popping sound during a chiropractic adjustment? The noise is a result of a process called cavitation. This occurs when gas, dissolved in the synovial fluid, is rapidly released between joint surfaces.
When a joint is restricted or stiff, it cannot move through its full range of motion. A chiropractic adjustment aims to improve this by applying a controlled force that moves the joint to its end range. As the joint surfaces are separated, the pressure within the joint drops, causing dissolved gases (such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) to form bubbles. These bubbles collapse quickly, producing the characteristic popping sound. This creates a momentary vacuum within the joint, and the gases gradually dissolve back into the synovial fluid. This process explains why the joints can’t be "cracked" repeatedly within a short period—gas has to be reabsorbed before the joint can be adjusted again.
Is Cracking Your Joints Harmful?
A common question is whether cracking your joints is bad for you. Fortunately, scientific studies show that joint cavitation (such as cracking knuckles) does not contribute to the development of osteoarthritis (Ehrlich, 2013; Koro et al., 2017). However, while there’s no evidence linking cracking to long-term joint degeneration, excessive cracking can cause other issues.
Repeated joint cracking, especially without the guidance of a healthcare professional, can cause hypermobility in the joint. Hypermobility refers to the excessive movement of a joint beyond its normal range, leading to overstretched ligaments and muscles, which can increase the risk of joint instability, sprains, and strains (Reid et al., 2016). This is why it’s essential to seek professional care from a qualified chiropractor, who will ensure that any adjustments are done safely and effectively.
Chiropractors in Australia undergo rigorous training, completing five years of study to understand the complexities of the human body, the nervous system, and the mechanics of musculoskeletal health. At Neurohealth Wellness, we are committed to providing evidence-based care that helps restore your joint health and mobility.
What If My Joints Crack a Lot?
If you find that your joints crack frequently, it may be a sign that your joints are not moving as they should. Joint restrictions often occur when a segment of your spine or other joints is not functioning optimally. To compensate for this, the neighbouring joints may take on excess movement, causing them to crack more often.
When spinal joints are restricted, chiropractic care can address this by targeting the problem area with precise adjustments. The aim is to restore proper movement to the affected joint, which in turn reduces the need for compensatory movement in the surrounding joints. Over time, this can reduce or even eliminate excessive joint cracking.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments
While the cracking sound might be the most noticeable result of an adjustment, chiropractic care offers many more benefits. At Neurohealth Wellness, our chiropractors use a variety of techniques to help patients achieve:
- Increased joint range of motion: Chiropractic adjustments help restore normal joint motion, which reduces stiffness and discomfort.
- Reduced muscle tension: By addressing joint dysfunction, chiropractic care helps alleviate muscle spasms and tightness, which often accompany restricted joints.
- Improved overall function: When joints move properly, the body can function more efficiently, improving your posture, balance, and mobility.
- Injury prevention: Regular chiropractic care helps maintain joint health and prevent injuries caused by compensatory movements or misalignments.
Chiropractic adjustments don’t just focus on the joint itself; they take a holistic approach to restoring your body’s natural movement patterns. Our goal is to address the root cause of joint issues, not just treat the symptoms.
Why Choose Neurohealth Wellness?
At Neurohealth Wellness, we bring together expertise in musculoskeletal health and evidence-based chiropractic care to help you achieve a pain-free, active life. Our chiropractors are highly trained in spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapies, and rehabilitation techniques to ensure optimal function and long-term health. We provide personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
We are proud to be a trusted resource in the community, offering a holistic approach that focuses on rebalancing your body and supporting your overall well-being.
When to Seek Chiropractic Care
If you’re noticing joint pain, stiffness, or excessive cracking, it’s a good idea to consult a professional. A chiropractor can assess your joints and spine to determine the cause of the issue and develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs. Early intervention can help prevent future problems and optimise your joint health before they escalate into more severe issues.
At Neurohealth Wellness, we offer expert chiropractic care to help you restore joint function, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. Whether you’re experiencing joint restrictions, recurring discomfort, or just want to maintain healthy joints, we’re here to help.
Contact Us Today
Are you curious about how chiropractic care can benefit your joints and overall health? Reach out to the team at Neurohealth Wellness to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. Our friendly, experienced chiropractors are here to help guide you towards better health.
To book an appointment, call us at (02) 9905 9099, email neurohealth@icloud.com, or visit our website to fill out our contact form at neurohealthwellness.com.au.
References:
- Ehrlich, G. E. (2013). The relationship between osteoarthritis and joint cavitation. Journal of Rheumatology, 40(9), 1483-1489.
- Koro, T., et al. (2017). The relationship between habitual knuckle cracking and hand osteoarthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 76(2), 334-340.
- Reid, D., et al. (2016). Hypermobility: Mechanisms, consequences, and treatment. Rheumatology International, 36(4), 513-523.
