It's a question that comes up a lot. Let’s clear something up right away:
No, chiropractors do not “crack” your bones.
The sound you sometimes hear during an adjustment isn’t bones snapping or breaking — it’s called a joint cavitation. It’s simply a release of gas (mostly nitrogen) from within the joint capsule.
Think of it like opening a bottle of sparkling water. The sudden pressure change causes bubbles to escape, and you hear that familiar “pop.”
That’s exactly what happens in your joint — a release of pressure, not damage.
Why Does It Happen?
Your joints are surrounded by synovial fluid, which nourishes and cushions them. This fluid contains dissolved gases. When a chiropractor applies a precise, quick adjustment to the joint, it may create a slight separation in the joint space. That pressure change allows the gas to escape — resulting in the audible pop.
It’s not the goal of the treatment.
It’s just a side effect of a well-performed adjustment.
In fact, some highly effective chiropractic techniques produce no sound at all — but still create powerful structural and neurological effects.
Is the Sound Necessary for a “Good” Adjustment?
Not at all.
The effectiveness of an adjustment isn’t determined by the noise it makes.
Some people find the sound satisfying. Others find it unsettling. But rest assured, a good chiropractor can tailor your treatment to your comfort level — with or without cavitation. The focus is always on restoring movement, improving function, and supporting the nervous system.
The Bottom Line
The popping sound is gas being released, not bones cracking.
It’s not dangerous, harmful, and is not what you should base an effective adjustment on.
Many techniques produce no sound at all, yet are still effective.
At The Backstory, we’re trained in a variety of techniques, including Diversified, McTimoney, and Soft Tissue Release. While we’re skilled in multiple approaches, our preferred method is Advanced Biostructural Correction™ (ABC) — chosen for its precision, measurable results, and long-term effectiveness.
A good chiropractor will always tailor their technique to suit your body and comfort level — and that’s exactly what we do.
