That sound isn’t your bones cracking.
It’s simply gas being released from the joint — like opening a fizzy drink or stretching your fingers.
Here’s what’s actually happening:
Inside each joint is a small pocket of fluid. That fluid contains gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
When a chiropractor makes a quick, gentle adjustment to a joint that’s stiff or restricted, it creates a small gap — and that pressure change allows gas to escape.
That’s the pop.
Nothing’s breaking, nothing’s snapping — and your bones are still very much intact.
Does the sound mean it “worked”?
Not necessarily.
An adjustment can be effective with or without a pop.
What matters is how the joint moves afterward — not whether it made noise on the way there.
Some people’s bodies are naturally more audible. Others are quieter.
The goal is better movement, less tension, and better function — not sound effects.
What if I don’t like the sound?
That’s totally okay. You don’t have to be adjusted that way.
There are gentler techniques that don’t involve audible pops at all — using soft pressure, instruments, drop tables, or slow-release methods.
We always work within your comfort zone, and we’ll talk through what feels best for you.
The sound might be satisfying — but it’s not the measure of success. A quiet adjustment can be just as powerful.
