What is that popping noise? Our Bristol Chiropractors explain

The “popping” noise heard during joint manipulation is called “cavitation”. The noise is created when nitrogen gases come out of solution from your joint fluid. This phenomenon can only occur once approximately every 20 minutes in the same joint.

This is rather different to the clicking noise that you may be able to hear each time you move your wrist or hip in a particular way, you can probably get it to “pop” every second if you wanted to.  This  noise is referred to as  “crepitus” which can occur  for several reasons. It can occur in individuals with degeneration, where the two ends of their joints may actually be eroded or another fairly common cause is that either a ligament or tendon is just gliding over the natural contours of the bone and  suddenly releases  like a rubber band creating the “pop”.Is this a bad thing? The majority of the time, no, it’s just something that happens. It can become a problem though if the area becomes irritated and inflamed due to the constant rubbing or snapping. If this occurs it can become a  source of pain and discomfort in the neck or back or other joints. You should try to limit the motion that causes the crepitus and stop if it becomes painful or sore.

Our chiropractors in Bristol can help advise on strengthening, stretching, and joint manipulation to help to reduce or eliminate crepitus. Proper strengthening can condition your muscles to support your joints better, allowing them to move properly which can reduce the amount of friction and rubbing in the joint. Stretching can relax ligaments and tendons so they don’t catch and snap. Joint manipulation assists in restoring proper motion and therefore reducing abnormal friction and rubbing in the joint, improving back pain and joint pains.

A chiropractic adjustment sets the joint in motion with the intent to restore its normal function so that as the joint releases an audible “pop” can often be produced, the bubble being released to fill the vacuum that occurs when joints are briefly separated. It is similar to popping a cork from a bottle of bubbly like champagne.  The cavitation sound is not essential for the success of the chiropractic manipulation  as there are many different techniques that the chiropractors can use  to help the joints and improve back pain.

Generally, chiropractic treatment does not hurt although some patients may experience minor  discomfort or soreness, which quickly passes.  The emphasis of chiropractic care is on manual techniques, most often involving adjustments or manipulations of the joints of the spine and other areas of the body where signs of restrictions in movement are found. Bottom line, if it hurts, get it checked out. There is a difference between the “pop” heard with joint manipulation, “cavitation”, and consistent noise in your joint, “crepitus”.

When compared with other forms of medical treatment. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record, due to its conservative and natural approach to healthcare. The World Health Organization states that when “employed skillfully and appropriately, chiropractic care is safe and effective for the prevention and management of a number of health problems”  like back pain, neck pain, headaches and arthritic pains.

From the Team at Archibald Chiropractic Clinics
"Treating the cause, not the symptoms"
Dowry Chiropractic Clinic Established in 1987 – Experienced Bristol Chiropractors