When you go to a chiropractor you will most likely receive a chiropractic adjustment. The process is painless and the chiropractic adjustment is usually accompanied by a “cracking” sound.
At Dee Why Chiropractic care we have found that new patients to chiropractic are a bit unsettled with the thought of us “cracking” their backs. Once they understand exactly what is happening it puts their mind at ease and they grow to love it. There is no bones breaking and no ligaments snapping as the sound may suggest. We are simply opening or gapping the joint, which produces a “pop”.
What exactly is causing the sound?
In between each of the joints in our spine we have a substance called synovial fluid, which acts to lubricate and nourish our joints. The synovial fluid has dissolved gas within it and when the joints in the spine are opened via a chiropractic adjustment there is a vacuum created within the joint. This vacuum sucks out the dissolved gas from the synovial fluid creating the pop or crack that you hear. This gas (nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide) acts to fill the space created by the vacuum.
What are the benefits of a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a gentle force applied to the spine with the specific purpose to increase motion, reduce nerve irritability and improve function.
Ever had a stuck or stiff joint? Most likely yes. The chiropractic adjustment aims to restore normal motion to the joint and relieve stiffness. In doing so it takes pressure off the surrounding ligaments, muscles and nerves, ultimately leading to pain relief.
What if I’m in pain and don’t want a chiropractic adjustment?
At Dee Why Chiropractic Care we respect the patient’s wishes if they do not want to receive an adjustment. The good news is that we are a multidisciplinary clinic and utilise a wide variety of treatment techniques. Treatments may involve a combination of joint mobilisations, dry needling, active muscle releases, IASTM and taping that are very effective at treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
If you have any questions regarding chiropractic adjustments or think we can help you, don’t hesitate to contact us.