Just what is that "popping" or "cracking" sound that
happens during an adjustment? Why does my (insert body part) crack when I
wake up or move? My back "popped" after I left the clinic did I
put it back out again? These are a few of the common questions asked in
the clinic about various sounds our bodies tend to make. The body
generally "pop, cracks, and creaks" for a number of reasons and
generally the sounds are not a cause for concern. The sounds generally
come from one of three sources joint cavitations, soft tissue rubbing on bone,
or bone rubbing on bone. The other reason joints pop and crack are
typically from a trauma or accident, such as "my knee made a popping sound
when that 300lbs lineman ran into the side of my leg while playing football."
Cavitation is the most common reason joints pop and crack in a
chiropractic clinic. Cavitation is described as a formation of gas
bubbles in a fluid environment when pressures are lowered; the sound is caused
from the “popping” of these bubbles. Every joint in our body is
surrounded by a thin cartilaginous capsule; inside this capsule is a small
amount of lubricating fluid between the joints. When this capsule is
stretched or expanded the pressure inside drops, bubbles form in the fluid and
then these small bubbles pop.
Chiropractors are trained to get the joints in the spine and extremities
to the “end range of motion” where the joint capsule is stretched to a point of
tension.
Then a specific thrust is
applied to mobilize the affected joint, often time’s cavitations then will
occur.
After the adjustment I have heard
patients complain of their back “popping” back out of place after they get out
to their car.
What they are most likely
hearing is other joints around the area finally being able to move more freely
again.
The extra range of motion gained
from the adjustment has now allowed other areas of the spine a more normal
range of motion therefore stretching the joint capsule causing them to cavitate
again.
Soft tissues rubbing on bone is also another
cause for a "clicking" or "rubbing" sound. This sound
is typically heard in the hips when the iliotibial band rubs over the
greater trochanter of the femur. This can also happen in other areas
of the body where muscles, tendons, or ligaments become thickened or inflamed
and consequently rub over bony structures in the body. If this is
the case soft tissue work such as massage, Garston therapy, and rehabilitative
exercises may help decrease these sounds.
The last category is bone rubbing on bone. This is
typically described as a grinding or rubbing sensation and this
is a sign of degeneration or arthritis in the joint. Over time the
protective cartilage and fluid between the joint can become worn out due
to injury, age, or both. The result is the joint space starts to break
down and narrow and the bones will actually start to grind against each
other. When this starts to happen it is often late in the disease process
and further medical care through chiropractic, physical therapy, or surgery
may be needed.
Generally, as stated before "popping"
and "cracking" is nothing to be alarmed about. However, if
the sound is accompanied by pain, weakness, joint laxity, or discomfort
then a consultation with a medical professional would be advised.
If you have any questions about a sound your body may be making give us a call
970-639-9730 or email us at office@feelgoodfruita.com
