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Why My Back Cracks During Chiropractic Adjustment


Chiropractic care is rapidly growing in popularity and mainstream acceptance, and for good reason. It’s safe, non-invasive, and doesn’t involve pumping your body full of drugs and chemicals. It focuses on healing your whole body, on allowing your own natural healing processes to work at their best. It’s great for controlling pain and helping you live a healthier life.
Many people are uncomfortable, however, at the “popping” sound and sensation they get when they receive a spinal adjustment from a chiropractor. This sensation is so common that a colloquial expression for visiting the chiropractor is “getting your back cracked.” Learn why your back cracks during a chiropractic adjustment, and where you can find the best clinic to manage back pain near Woodbridge, VA.
Understanding Spinal Subluxation
A “subluxation” refers to one or more bones in your spine—your vertebrae—being out of their proper alignment. Your spine has a specific curvature, and when the bones that make it up don’t follow that curve, it can cause all manner of health issues, from back pain, loss of sensation in your limbs, limited motion and even symptoms of conditions like diabetes. Your back really is the core of your entire body’s function.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Work
When a chiropractor performs an examination, they’ll look for these subluxations. Much of chiropractic care surrounds repairing these problems. By fixing a spinal subluxation—placing your spine back into its proper alignment—a doctor of chiropractic can help you to control pain you’re experiencing, help to improve strength, flexibility and range of motion, eliminate health issues, and help you live a better, healthier life.
When you get a chiropractic adjustment, it’s not uncommon to feel and hear a popping sound that’s colloquially called “cracking your back.” It’s also not surprising that people can be uncomfortable with this idea, since your back is so important. When you understand this pop, however, you’ll realize that it’s actually a helpful sound.
What Is the Pop?
The pop you experience when you receive a spinal adjustment is called a cavitation. It’s made by the release of gas between your spinal joints, called synovial joints. These joints produce fluid to lubricate the joint to allow for movement. As this fluid is produced, it also creates oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Any time a joint opens up, the gas is released and you hear the popping sound.
It’s very much the same thing you experience when you crack your knuckles, and for the exact same reason. It also can feel really good when it’s done. As soon as the joint is popped, the fluid flows in to refill the gap, and you feel a sense of relief and increased movement.
Controlling Back Pain Near Woodbridge, VA
If you’ve been experiencing back pain near Woodbridge, VA, a qualified and experienced chiropractor can help. For over 8 years, ACT Wellness has helped people all across the region deal with spinal misalignments and the problems that go with them. For help dealing with your back pain in Woodbridge, VA, contact our offices to make an appointment today!
The post Why My Back Cracks During Chiropractic Adjustment appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.
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