Chiropractor delivering an adjustment correctly for a child at Chandler Chiropractic in Chandler and Scottsdale.
Chiropractic adjustments are delivered by a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. Chiropractic adjustment is not the same as cracking your knuckles, even though both can produce the same sound.
A person who consistently self-adjusts a joint could further damage the joint long term. Chandler Chiropractic has seen patients who have been self-adjusting for years and the damage done to the disc, bone and joint has been tremendous – extensive arthritis develops in the joint due to the improper, repetitive nature of adjusting the same joint.
Below is a breakdown of the differences:
- Mechanism:
- Knuckle cracking: The popping sound comes from the rapid release of gas (mostly nitrogen) from the synovial fluid in the joints when the joint is stretched.
- Chiropractic adjustment: Also may produce a popping sound, but it’s due to a similar gas release in spinal joints — however, the goal is different: to improve spinal alignment, mobility, and nervous system function.
- Purpose:
- Knuckle cracking: Usually done habitually or for a sensation of relief; it doesn’t provide therapeutic benefits.
- Chiropractic adjustment: A clinical technique used to restore joint function, reduce pain, and improve nervous system communication.
- Training and safety:
- Knuckle cracking: Done casually by individuals, not generally harmful but offers no medical benefit.
- Chiropractic adjustment: Performed by trained professionals who assess the spine and use controlled force and specific techniques for therapeutic outcomes.
So, while they may sound similar, the intent, technique, and effects are quite different. Always going to a licensed professional to move joints is ideal.
