Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
TITLE
The Audible Release Associated with Joint Manipulation
No Link to Arthritis Found
SOURCE
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7790795/
REFERENCE
142
NICE
REFERENCE
123
organisation
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
TITLE
The Audible Release Associated with Joint Manipulation
No Link to Arthritis Found
SOURCE
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7790795/
DISC COMMENTARY
This literature review looked at what causes the crack or pop sound heard during a chiropractic adjustment or other joint manipulation, and whether the sound itself carries any clinical significance for the joint involved or its long-term health and function.
What was studied?
The review examined the mechanism behind joint cavitation, the gas content and volume involved, the resulting change in joint range of motion, and whether habitual joint-cracking was associated with arthritis or other joint changes.
What did they find?
The sound comes from cavitation: a pressure drop causes dissolved gas, mostly carbon dioxide, to form a bubble making up around 15% of joint fluid volume. Habitual joint-cracking was not linked to arthritis in the studies reviewed.
Why it matters
It answers a question almost every patient asks at some point: what is that popping sound, and is it safe? The evidence points to a harmless, temporary process rather than any form of joint damage.
Why we included it
It illustrates a wider principle: understanding the plain mechanism behind a common but unsettling sensation removes unnecessary worry, and treatment should never chase a sound as if it were the point of care.
We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You can choose which categories to allow below. Cookies categorised as Necessary are always active.
We also use third-party cookies for analytics and advertising. These are only stored with your consent. You can update or withdraw consent at any time via the cookie icon at the bottom-left. This site operates under UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). Cookie Policy • Privacy Policy
Always Active
Necessary cookies are required for core site features including security, network management, and consent storage.
Cookie
Duration
Description
hmdg_cookie_consent
180 days
Stores your cookie consent preferences.
PHPSESSID
Session
WordPress session identifier.
wordpress_logged_in_*
Session
WordPress login authentication.
Functional cookies enable enhanced features such as live chat and remembering preferences.
Cookie
Duration
Description
wp-settings-*
1 year
Stores user interface preferences.
Analytics cookies help us understand visitor behaviour. Controls analytics_storage for Google Analytics 4.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_ga
2 years
Google Analytics — distinguishes users.
_ga_*
2 years
Google Analytics 4 — session persistence.
_gid
24 hours
Google Analytics — distinguishes users.
_gat
1 minute
Google Analytics — throttles request rate.
Performance cookies collect aggregate, anonymous data about site performance.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_gat_gtag_*
1 minute
Google Tag Manager — rate throttle.
Marketing cookies track visits to deliver relevant ads. Controls ad_storage, ad_user_data, and ad_personalization.
What was studied?
The review examined the mechanism behind joint cavitation, the gas content and volume involved, the resulting change in joint range of motion, and whether habitual joint-cracking was associated with arthritis or other joint changes.
What did they find?
The sound comes from cavitation: a pressure drop causes dissolved gas, mostly carbon dioxide, to form a bubble making up around 15% of joint fluid volume. Habitual joint-cracking was not linked to arthritis in the studies reviewed.
Why it matters
It answers a question almost every patient asks at some point: what is that popping sound, and is it safe? The evidence points to a harmless, temporary process rather than any form of joint damage.
Why we included it
It illustrates a wider principle: understanding the plain mechanism behind a common but unsettling sensation removes unnecessary worry, and treatment should never chase a sound as if it were the point of care.