If you’ve never received a chiropractic adjustment, then it can come as quite a shock to hear some of the sounds that come from your spine during the process. Even for seasoned veterans who have been going to a chiropractor for years, the occasional pops and cracks are still a bit jarring. Nevertheless, the relief that comes after an adjustment can be extremely satisfying.
Now, the most common follow-up question we get from new patients: Should you be worried? Let us ease your mind by assuring you that there’s no cause for concern. The sounds, unsettling as they may be in the moment, are actually quite natural, given the circumstances. If you’ve ever cracked your knuckles or heard your neck pop while stretching, then you’re already well-acquainted with the phenomenon. But, what is it that makes these popping noises?
Strange as it may seem in the world of modern medicine, physicians were not entirely certain what caused these sounds, though it has been studied further in the past decade. The most likely explanation and widely accepted theory is that of gas buildup in your joints. According to information published in the Library of Congress, your joints are surrounded by a natural lubricant known as synovial fluid. This fluid contains pockets of gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. The popping or cracking noise that we hear is the sound of these gases rapidly escaping from the joint capsule.
This is all well and good, but what does it mean for you? How does popping your spine encourage healing and support the overall health of your skeleton? In terms of chiropractic, these sounds are a sure sign of progress. Spinal misalignment is fairly common in all patients. The vertebrae that make up your spinal column move and shift naturally over time, and chiropractic seeks to find and correct these misalignments, also known as subluxations. Subluxations can cause stiffness or even impede the flow of electrical nerve signals. A pop or crack during an adjustment means that your chiropractor is pushing your spine just beyond its limits, loosening the joint capsules and decreasing pressure. Not only should you have improved range of motion after an adjustment, but your body will function a bit better and you’ll have fewer painful symptoms.
Are you ready for your adjustment? Get started with chiropractic today. Contact us here at Wirth Chiropractic to schedule your free consultation, and get back to being you!
