Can a Chiropractor Adjust You Without Cracking? (2024)

Published Date:

November 6, 2023

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Chiropractic Expertise

Can a Chiropractor Adjust You Without Cracking? (1)

Whether you’ve had a chiropractic adjustment before or not, you might have heard about the cracking or popping sound that sometimes occurs during the procedure. Some people even claim that adjustments are nothing more than cracking your back.

This isn’t true, nor is it true that people who are scared or uneasy about the cracking sound that might occur should avoid going to a chiropractor.

Chiropractic adjustments do not “crack your bones.” The sound you might hear during a session, which is more of a pop than a crack, has to do with air and gas in your joints. It’s a normal sound, and it’s not painful.

However, if you’re unsure if chiropractic treatments are right for you, many chiropractors offer adjustments without cracking. These techniques can be just as effective as regular adjustments and might even allow you to be comfortable enough to undergo other techniques that once made you nervous.

Additionally, chiropractors offer guidance and support that enables you to take control of your well-being and make choices that enhance whole-body health.

Can a Chiropractor Treat You Without Cracking?

Yes.

Chiropractic treatment typically involves gentle force on the spine or neck used to release tension.

However, if the idea of force or “cracking” makes you feel uneasy, other chiropractic techniques do not involve any cracking or popping. Many are low-velocity techniques.

No Crack Chiropractic Techniques

  • Erchonia Adjuster: This medical tool allows the chiropractor to realign any bones that are out of place.
  • Activator Technique: This technique uses a tool that uses neurological tests to adjust your joints. It’s used on the spine, as well as the arms, legs, and shoulders.
  • Thompson Drop Technique: This technique uses more force than the Activator but doesn’t create any popping or cracking noise. It’s excellent for relieving pelvic pain and lower back pain. The technique uses a lever that raises part of the treatment table so your chiropractor can adjust a joint as the table drops down a small amount.
Can a Chiropractor Adjust You Without Cracking? (2)

In addition to these specific techniques, chiropractors also offer various treatment options that have nothing to do with spinal manipulation.

For example, they have broad diagnostic skills and are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises. Most also providenutritional, fitness, and lifestyle counseling.

What Causes The Cracking Sound During an Adjustment?

The cracking sound you hear duringchiropractic adjustments is called a cavitation. It’s not your bones cracking. It’s gas being released from your joint.

Joints are made from two bones. The bones of a joint are located within a capsule or socket that contains synovial fluid and gas. Over time, this gas can lead to pressure within the joint. Adjustments release this gas, and the pop or crack sound you hear is the release of the gas. It startles some people, and others dread it, but it’s perfectly normal and doesn’t hurt or harm the body in any way.

Why Cracking Your Back Feels So Good

Not everybody enjoys cracking their back, but it’s a feeling of relief for many. In some cases, this is because it relieves stress.

If youwork at a computer all day or spend most of your waking hours in an uncomfortable position and your body tightens up, the cracking jointsrelease tension.

Can a Chiropractor Adjust You Without Cracking? (3)

Your spinal cord is surrounded by cells that send signals to your brain. These messages travel along your spinal cord and tell your brain things about pain and joint positioning. When you crack your back, the signal that travels to your brain is “less pressure” or “less tension,” so you feel better.

Some believe the sound of cracking joints is what comforts people. They feel as if they have accomplished something, allowing them to sense a physical improvement, even if there isn’t one.

Chiropractic Adjustment Vs. Cracking Your Own Back

A medical professional performs chiropractic adjustments under controlled conditions. Special tools might be used during the spinal adjustment. They also include an assessment of your overall medical health and a diagnosis of the problem in question. This is different from just cracking your neck or back to relieve pressure.

Even though the latter might feel good and fix discomfort, it’s not correcting misalignments or resolving significant medical issues.

Why Chiropractic Adjustments Provide Relief (Crack or No Crack)

Whether you are ready to undergo a traditional chiropractic treatment that results in a crack or pop or you’d rather avoid it, adjustments can still provide relief.

Can a Chiropractor Adjust You Without Cracking? (4)

Chiropractic treatments aim to improve your musculoskeletal health and the function of your nervous system. Both of these things impact your overall health. No matter what type of treatment you undergo, chiropractic care helps improve full-body health. It’s also drug-free, so you won’t need to worry about any side effects of medication or other invasive allopathic medical treatments. In many cases, chiropractic adjustments help you avoid these potentially risky treatments.

Can a Chiropractor Adjust You Without Cracking? (5)

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.

Can a Chiropractor Adjust You Without Cracking? (2024)

FAQs

Can a Chiropractor Adjust You Without Cracking? ›

However, if you're unsure if chiropractic treatments are right for you, many chiropractors offer adjustments without cracking. These techniques can be just as effective as regular adjustments and might even allow you to be comfortable enough to undergo other techniques that once made you nervous.

Is cracking necessary in chiropractic? ›

In short, no. The effectiveness of your adjustment relies on the skills of your chiropractor. However, the popping sound also doesn't mean something went wrong. The noises you hear during chiropractic treatment depend on the technique used.

What does it mean when you don't crack at the chiropractor? ›

So, if your back doesn't crack during an adjustment, it doesn't mean that the treatment wasn't effective. Chiropractors can still manipulate and realign your spine without producing that audible noise.

When should you not get adjusted by a chiropractor? ›

Don't seek chiropractic adjustment if you have:
  1. Severe osteoporosis.
  2. Numbness, tingling, or loss of strength in an arm or leg.
  3. Cancer in your spine.
  4. An increased risk of stroke.
  5. A known bone abnormality in the upper neck.
Sep 30, 2022

Can you refuse neck adjustment? ›

If you don't want your neck manipulated, there is no pressure to do so and there are many other options to help relieve pain and improve mobility and dysfunction.

Can you go to a chiropractor and not get cracked? ›

Can a Chiropractor Treat You Without Cracking? Yes. Chiropractic treatment typically involves gentle force on the spine or neck used to release tension. However, if the idea of force or “cracking” makes you feel uneasy, other chiropractic techniques do not involve any cracking or popping.

How do chiropractors know when to crack? ›

Your chiropractor will perform an examination during your initial visit. They may also take an x-ray to get a better idea of what is going on. Once they understand the source of the pain and discomfort, they will begin their adjustments. This will involve sudden jolts to readjust misalignments.

What happens to your neck when a chiropractor cracks it? ›

When you crack your neck, the facet joint stretches and lets the fluid spread in the joint capsules. The fluid becomes gas, and your neck joints will pop. This is why a neck crack will feel like the pressure is releasing from the neck area.

Are chiropractic cracks good for you? ›

While chiropractic neck cracking is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed professional, there are potential risks involved. These risks may include temporary discomfort, headaches, fatigue, or, in rare cases, more severe complications like arterial injuries.

How do I know if the chiropractor is working? ›

One of the most common reasons people seek out chiropractic care is because they are in pain. If you are starting to feel less pain, it is a good sign that your treatment is working. Of course, you may still have some bad days here and there, but overall, you should feel like your pain is decreasing.

What are the red flags for chiropractic adjustments? ›

Bleeding disorders and structural instability issues can also be red flags. In fact, a red flag simply could be that a patient has not had an adequate physical examination or that the chiropractor does not have the adequate skills and training necessary to carry out the treatment.

Can chiropractic adjustments go wrong? ›

What injuries can a chiropractic adjustment cause? Chiropractic treatments may cause minor, temporary side effects, such as discomfort, stiffness, or a headache. In rare cases, people also report severe events, including spinal cord injury, artery dissection, and stroke.

How can you tell a good chiropractor from a bad one? ›

A good chiropractor will answer all of your questions and help you understand your treatment plan. They will do anything to make you feel comfortable while showing empathy and building a personal connection with you. A bad chiropractor will rush the treatment and won't care about your needs or feelings.

Should you let a chiropractor touch your neck? ›

Grunch, who treats one or two patients with the injury every year, the connection is clear: “Arterial dissection is a known complication of spinal manipulation.” So even though the risk is rare, Dr. Grunch strongly advises against having your neck manipulated by a chiropractor.

What are the disadvantages of chiropractic? ›

The Cons of Chiropractic Care

Extreme risks with chiropractic care are unlikely but include bone damage, stroke, and more. While chiropractic care is primarily about spinal manipulation, neck adjustments are often part of chiropractic care as well. Neck adjustments are more sensitive and come with more risk.

What is a non-cracking chiropractor? ›

Unlike some chiropractors, we do not use any cracking or crunching to treat patients. Instead, we use a low-force technique called NeuroImpulse protocol or NIP for short. NIP is about making sure your body and brain are working together effectively.

Is chiropractor cracking good for you? ›

While chiropractic neck cracking is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed professional, there are potential risks involved. These risks may include temporary discomfort, headaches, fatigue, or, in rare cases, more severe complications like arterial injuries.

Is back cracking a placebo? ›

A 2011 study suggests that you might associate the sound of cracking your back with a positive feeling of relief, especially when a professional chiropractor does it. This is true even if nothing actually happened to the joint — a placebo effect at its finest.

Is it normal to pop a lot after an adjustment? ›

When you hear, or feel a crack, it's simply air pockets that have built up in the fluid “popping” because of the change in pressure. Not only is this harmless but it's very common. It's all part of the treatment, so there's nothing to worry about with cracking after a chiropractic adjustment.

What happens when a chiropractor adjusts your neck? ›

Cervical Mobilization

Chiropractors use their hands to apply smooth, rhythmic movements to the vertebrae, gradually increasing the motion within the joint to alleviate stiffness and improve flexibility.

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