Why Do Chiropractors "Pop" Joints?

Restricted or irregular joint motion can interfere with normal movement. This can affect global movement and potentially lead to early breakdown.  Joints can become stiff or restricted due to poor posture and injury, as well as biomechanical changes, including those that we are not aware of. Restoring proper joint motion can help decrease pain and be preventative for future injury or dysfunction.

To determine if a patient is a candidate for chiropractic care a proper examination is needed. An evaluation will include palpation and movement screens to determine the location of the joints that are restricted. The adjustment consists of placing a joint in a safe position and applying a quick force in the direction of the desired movement. An audible click or popping sound may be heard with this type of therapy. The joint and the patient’s symptoms is then re-assessed after the adjustment to see if proper motion has been restored.

The audible click or popping sound is actually the release of gas in the joint. Joints are lubricated by what is called synovial fluid. Gases such as CO2, nitrogen, and oxygen are biproducts of synovial fluid. When the joint is gapped and movement is restored, gas is released, and a popping noise may be heard.

For those patients that prefer or are hesitant to get chiropractic manipulation, but joint restriction is present, we provide lighter adjustments, mobilization, exercises, and/or soft tissue work to help gain the proper motion at the desired joint. These types of therapies will not produce an audible popping sound.

Although Chiropractic manipulation is an extremely powerful tool, in our office it is rarely utilized by itself. Instead, we employ comprehensive care that combines chiropractic adjustments with other modalities such as soft tissue treatment and exercise to enhance a patient’s results.

Each case is different. Everyone who receives care at Shaw Chiropractic & Sports Injury Center is put on a personalized treatment plan that is designed to maximize their recovery and help them return to what they love doing most.