Many people believe that the audible pop in chiropractic adjustments means the treatment worked. But is that really true?
Let’s clear up the confusion — with science, not assumptions.
What Is the Audible Pop in Chiropractic?
The “pop” you hear during spinal adjustments is called joint cavitation.
It happens when gas bubbles in your joint fluid collapse from a sudden change in pressure. This creates that familiar sound.
This isn’t your bones cracking — it’s a natural response within the joint. That sound is common, but it’s not required for a successful adjustment.
Is the Pop Required for a Successful Adjustment?
No, it’s not.
A 2024 study published in Healthcare tested this directly. Researchers used brainwave tracking (EEG) to measure the effects of spinal adjustments — both with and without a pop.
🧠 Result?
Both groups showed the same neurological benefit.
There was no added advantage to hearing a sound.
Dr. Lee’s Take on the Pop
Dr. Hyunjae (Albert) Lee, D.P.M., D.C., explains that the audible pop in chiropractic adjustments is not the goal — healing is.
“The sound is just a side effect of the joint moving. What matters is how your body responds — neurologically, structurally, and energetically. Some of the best outcomes happen silently.”
Dr. Lee regularly performs targeted spinal and foot adjustments at Pineapple Chiropractic and Podiatry. He blends chiropractic care with deep knowledge of foot and ankle biomechanics to treat the root cause of pain — not just the symptoms.
What Causes the Pop During an Adjustment?
The pop occurs for a few key reasons:
- A rapid joint movement (HVLA thrust)
- A sudden drop in synovial pressure
- Gas escapes from inside the capsule
- Soft tissues around the joint shift slightly
But some patients won’t hear a pop — and that’s okay.
Everyone’s anatomy reacts differently.
What If There’s No Audible Pop in Chiropractic Adjustments?
Even though there’s no sound, you still receive all the benefits:
- More mobility
- Improved alignment
- Reduced stiffness
- Nervous system activation
- A deeper sense of relaxation
Dr. Lee emphasizes that silent adjustments are just as effective. He’s trained in methods that don’t rely on noise, but focus on results.
Research Behind Audible Pop in Chiropractic Adjustments
📄 Study Title:
Do Audible Sounds during a Lumbar Spine Thrust Manipulation Have an Impact on Brainwave Activity?
🧪 Published: September 2024
👥 Participants: 44 healthy individuals
📊 Outcome: Both audible and non-audible groups showed brainwave changes.
🎯 Conclusion: The pop has no clinical benefit on its own.
Patient Visual Guide
Here’s a quick visual guide to help patients understand what the “pop” really means during chiropractic adjustments:
Summary Box: What You Should Know
✅ The pop is a normal sound, not a success marker
✅ Your chiropractor doesn’t need to “make it crack”
✅ Soundless adjustments can be just as powerful
✅ Scientific studies confirm this
✅ What matters most: the technique and your response
Dr. Lee’s Philosophy on Healing
Dr. Lee believes that true healing comes from within. At the same time, he emphasizes that conventional care becomes even more powerful when paired with natural therapy. With dual doctorates in chiropractic and podiatric medicine, and a residency in integrative medicine, he brings a unique approach to treating the whole body.
He treats everything from low back pain linked to foot imbalance, to chronic joint dysfunction — often without relying on any cracking sound at all.
If you’re wondering whether the audible pop in chiropractic adjustments really matters, the answer is no — results come from proper care, not sound. Silent adjustments, when done with skill and purpose, can be just as effective.
Need Relief Without the Pop?
At Pineapple Chiropractic and Podiatry, Dr. Lee provides care that’s gentle, precise, and deeply rooted in experience.
