What is the Pop During an Adjustment?

And do you need to hear it in order to feel the benefits?

The scientific term for the popping or cracking noise that you often hear with a chiropractic adjustment is tribonucleation, or joint cavitation. Tribonucleation is the process of creating tiny gas bubbles within the synovial fluid of a joint. The gas bubbles form with a decrease in the pressure of the joint. The sound you hear is a side effect of this change in pressure and the transition from liquid to gas back to liquid.

Do I need to hear a pop when I am being adjusted?

Not necessarily. There are a variety of reasons as to why you may not hear any noise when you receive an adjustment. Research has shown that joint manipulations (adjustments) delivered without an audible sound are just as effective as an adjustment with a loud audible cavitation (popping sound).

Still have questions?

Feel free to give our office a call or email us and we would be happy to answer them for you!