One question we hear a lot at our Ankeny office is about that "crack" or "pop" sound during adjustments. Some patients worry when they hear it, while others worry when they don't! Let's talk about what this sound means and what recent research tells us.
What Makes That Cracking Sound?
When we adjust your spine, we're applying a quick, precise force to a joint that isn't moving well. The cracking sound happens when gas bubbles in the joint fluid pop. It's the same thing when you crack your knuckles. The scientific name for this is "cavitation." Don't worry - nothing is breaking and no harm is being done!
Does It Matter If You Don't Hear A Crack?
Here's what's interesting - and something we see all the time at Feel Good Chiropractic: whether you hear that sound or not doesn't necessarily mean the adjustment worked or didn't work.
New research in the science journal Life backs this up. Scientists looked at brain activity in people getting neck adjustments. They compared people who heard the crack versus those who didn't.
What Research Shows About The "Crack"
The study found that good changes happened in the brain for both groups - whether they heard the pop or not. Both groups showed similar brain wave patterns after their adjustment.
There was one difference though. People who heard the crack sound showed longer-lasting changes in certain brain waves, which might mean they stayed relaxed longer. Most of this can be attributed to patient expectations. We like when the thing we think will happen, happens!
What This Means For You
When you visit us at Feel Good Chiropractic & Wellness here in Ankeny, we're not trying to make that sound happen. Our goal is to help your joints move better so your body can work right. The crack might be satisfying to hear, but don't worry if you don't hear it every time.
The real benefits of chiropractic care go beyond that sound. Most patients find they can move better, have less pain, and feel better overall - whether they heard cracks or not.
The Real Benefits That Matter
What's most important is how you feel after we treat you. Can you move better? Is your pain less? Can you get back to activities you love, like golfing at Otter Creek or biking the High Trestle Trail?
At our office, we use adjustments, laser therapy, and specific exercises to address why you're hurting - not just the symptoms.
Come See Us Today
If you've been wondering about chiropractic care or have questions about what to expect, we're here to help. Our approach is based on what research shows works best, and then tailored to you and your specific condition and goals.
Schedule your appointment today at our Ankeny location, just off I-35 on the corner of 1st St and Delaware Ave. We often have same-day appointments for those in pain. You can even book online here!
Feel Good Chiropractic & Wellness
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