Is that “pop” the actual adjustment or just a noise?
Most patients find the pop from an adjustment satisfying and lets them know the bone moved.
That popping noise is called a cavitation. A cavitation in chiropractic refers to the popping sound heard during a spinal adjustment when gas bubbles in the joint fluid collapse. It is not the bone actually moving.
A recent study, after a review of five research articles, found that regardless of the area of the spine manipulated or follow-up time, there was no evidence of improved pain outcomes associated with an audible pop.
In one of the studies reviewed, they reported even a hypoalgesic (lessening of pain) effect to external pain stimuli after spinal manipulation regardless of an audible pop.
With the technique I use – Applied Kinesiology – I test the area after the adjustment to make sure it has gone into place. Sometimes there is a “pop” and sometimes there isn’t, but I make sure the bone has been adjusted and is in the right place.
Dr. Vanessa Waugh, D.C.
727-687-6454
Clearwater, FL