One of the most common questions that I am asked is, “Are you going to crack my neck?” My typical response is something like, “Only if it needs it.” Or “You’ve been watching too many Kung Fu movies… haven’t you?”
Whatever the reason may be, patients’ greatest fears of chiropractic seem to be related to the sound of the spinal adjustment. Patients are typically much more comfortable receiving surgery which requires sedation, actual cutting of tissue, blood loss and weeks to months of recovery (even with outpatient procedures), than they are to hear a small pop. Even knuckle crackers will occasionally struggle despite repeatedly self imposing a similar sound each day.
So what is the cause of that sound anyway? Current research describes the cracking sound as a joint cavitation. Cavitations (the formation of a cavity or space), occur when a joint space is quickly increased, thereby forming a vacuum within the joint and subsequently releasing a small bubble of nitrogen gas from the synovial fluid. If you clasp your hands together to form a seal, then quickly release or separate them you will cause a cavitation and as well as a noise. Reverberation through spinal bones or vertebrae produces a distinct sound as well as a profound impact on the body. Listed below are a few of the effects of an audible, Gonstead-type chiropractic adjustment:
1. Inflammation/swelling of the spinal joints and associated nerves is reduced.
– Natural anti-inflammatory substances and pain killers are released
2. Local pain tolerance is increased
– Pain sensation is decreased
3. Reflexes of muscle and organ tissue are affected
– Large muscle spasm is reduced
– Organ function stimulated/regulated
4. Smaller supportive spinal muscles are activated
– This can cause occasional/temporary discomfort following an adjustment
5. Immune system is stimulated.
– Immune activity spikes approximately 15 minutes post-adjustment
As you can see, there is much more going on than simply the brief crunching sound. Adjustment of the spine has a very strong impact on a person’s body and therefore should be treated with respect. The basic fact of the matter is that a high quality, precise and specific chiropractic adjustment can have a wide reaching impact on your overall health and function. That being said, it is important that the adjustment be performed by a trained, competent chiropractor. Even chiropractors seek other chiropractors to receive adjustments. It is simply impossible to achieve the same results on yourself. People that “crack” their own necks or backs are typically “rattling” the hypermobile (too much movement) compensatory segments, rather than the levels that actually need it. They also manipulate their joints so often and in such a haphazard way, that the body begins to lose sight of what is normal, thereby making the person feel like they “need” to keep manipulating their joints repeatedly. In a way, you are actually becoming addicted to the crack! Chiropractors have very specific protocols that allow your body to heal between adjustments. If a patient continuously manipulates their own spine in between visits each individual adjustment is less effective or profound and care is usually prolonged. By the way, if you notice initial progress during care, then consistent regression following a series of adjustments, be sure to discuss it with your chiropractor so that your care plan can be modified to better serve you (you probably need more healing time between visits or have a lifestyle habit that is setting you back).
The take home message for this month is that a well timed, specific adjustment can greatly improve your health and quality of life. However, like any good thing, we must respect it by practicing moderation. A little self discipline and open communication can transform this seemingly strange sound, into a procedure that can literally change your life.
Say YES to CRACK!!!
*Only when performed by a competent, well trained professional such as your chiropractor. This is in no way an endorsement for the use of recreational drugs.