Chiropractors are known for the popping sound associated with adjustments on joints in the body, particularly the spine. The primary desired result of a chiropractic adjustment is to restore joint range of motion and decrease pain. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to have an effect on muscle behavior as well as range of motion, contributing to improved muscle movement and control. The cracking sound is produced by a sudden decrease in intra-articular pressure when the joint is distracted by the adjustive thrust, resulting in a release of mainly carbon dioxide gas from the synovial joint fluid.

Repetitive stress without proper recovery over time can lead to protective contracture of muscles and other soft tissues in the body. Simply put, too much load without enough capacity causes injury. Adjustments are one technique of many used to temporarily relieve perceptions of pain in an injured or stressed tissue. Other strategies are needed to combat long term pain syndromes, including exercise and lifestyle change.

References:

The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Motor Unit Behavior – Robinaultet al 2021

The Biomechanics of Spinals Manipulation – Herzog et al 2010