What’s That Popping Sound? (And Why It’s Not Your Bones Breaking!)

June 1, 2025

If you’ve ever had a chiropractic adjustment—or even watched one online—you’ve probably heard that loud, satisfying pop. And if you’ve never been adjusted before, you might be thinking, “Is that… my bones breaking?”

Let me put your mind at ease: no bones were harmed in the making of that sound.

As providers of chiropractic adjustment in Savage MN, we’ve helped hundreds of patients get past the fear of that “pop” and discover how gentle and powerful chiropractic care can be. So let’s talk about what that sound really is, what it means for your body, and why you don’t need to be nervous.

So, What Is That Sound?

The technical term is cavitation. It’s the sound made when a joint is rapidly moved and gas bubbles within the synovial fluid are released. These bubbles collapse or pop, which produces that signature sound.

To be clear: you’re not hearing bones crunching, dislocating, or grinding.
You’re hearing air escaping from the joint, much like cracking your knuckles—but in a controlled, therapeutic way.

If you’ve been asking, “what is spinal adjustment?”, this is where the explanation starts. A spinal adjustment involves applying a precise, quick force to a specific vertebra to restore normal motion and alignment. The cavitation is a side effect—not the goal.

Is Chiropractic Safe?

This is probably the next question on your mind—and a valid one.

Yes, chiropractic is safe when performed by a trained, licensed professional. Like any healthcare treatment, it has risks, but they are extremely low. Especially when compared to long-term medication use, injections, or surgery.

Let’s put it in perspective:

The risk of serious side effects from a neck adjustment is quite low. While numbers vary. some studies put the figure as low as around 1 in 5.8 million.
Risk of ulcers or internal bleeding from NSAIDs (common over-the-counter pain meds) are much higher.
Risk of opioid dependency or surgical complications? Far more significant.

If you’ve been wondering “is chiropractic safe?”—know that safety is our top priority. We do a full exam before your first adjustment and customize every treatment to fit your spine and comfort level.

Why That Pop Isn’t Always Necessary

Not every adjustment produces a sound—and that’s okay. Some joints cavitate more easily than others, and some techniques don’t create noise at all.

The effectiveness of a chiropractic adjustment in Savage MN doesn’t depend on the sound. In fact:

Some of our best outcomes come from low-force or instrument-assisted techniques.
The goal is improved joint function and nervous system performance—not noise.
Adjustments can be incredibly subtle and still highly effective.

So if you don’t hear or feel a “pop,” don’t worry—it doesn’t mean the adjustment didn’t work.

What a Proper Spinal Adjustment Looks Like

If you’ve never experienced one before, let’s walk through what happens during a spinal adjustment:

You’ll lie down comfortably on a padded table.
The chiropractor gently palpates your spine to locate the joint restriction.
A quick, targeted movement is made to restore normal motion.
You may hear the Savage MN chiropractic pop sound—or you might not.

Afterward, many patients feel:

Instant relief from pressure
Easier movement
A sense of “lightness” or better posture
Improved mental clarity

What People Often Say After Their First Adjustment

“Wow, that was it?”
“I feel like I can breathe better.”
“Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

We’ve had skeptical patients turn into lifelong chiropractic fans because they realized how effective—and non-scary—the experience really is.

And the best part? That chiropractic adjustment in Savage MN is part of a complete plan to help your body heal and stay aligned—not a one-time gimmick.

FAQs About Chiropractic and That Pop Sound

Q: What is spinal adjustment really doing?

A: It restores motion to joints that are stuck or misaligned. This helps reduce pain, restore nerve flow, and improve your overall function.

Q: Is chiropractic safe for everyone?

A: Almost everyone can benefit—but we always evaluate your individual needs. For kids, seniors, and pregnant women, we use gentle techniques.

Q: Does the pop mean the adjustment worked?

A: Not necessarily. The sound is just gas escaping. Effective adjustments don’t always make noise—and noisy ones aren’t always effective. It’s about motion, not sound.

Q: Can I adjust myself?

A: Please don’t! Self-cracking might feel good temporarily, but it doesn’t correct the specific joint that needs it—and can even make things worse.

Your Next Step to Spinal Relief

Still unsure if chiropractic is right for you? That’s totally normal. But don’t let fear of the pop—or misunderstandings about what is spinal adjustment—keep you from feeling better.

At our Savage, MN chiropractic care clinic, we specialize in gentle, effective adjustments tailored to each patient. Whether you’re dealing with neck pain, headaches, back stiffness, or stress—we can help.

Call Today—You’ll Feel the Difference

If you’re ready to try chiropractic but nervous about the sound, come talk to us. We’ll explain every step, walk at your pace, and make sure you’re comfortable from start to finish.

Contact us today to schedule your chiropractic adjustment in Savage MN. Your spine—and your whole body—will thank you.

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