What's That Crackling Noise?

Most patients will sooner or later ask this question. A joint contains fluid that helps keep it healthy and lubricated (like oil for the joint). This "synovial fluid" contains gas (like carbonation in soft drinks). When an adjustment is made you may hear a noise (called an "audible release"). The audible release or "crack" is simply the release of gas in the joint much like when you open a can of soft drink.

What Happens If Left Uncorrected?

If no correction is made, the vertebral subluxation will travel along the following progression path

1. Loss of normal position (or alignment) of the vertebrae leads to restricted movement.

2. Abnormal positioning may lead to shortened muscle tissue with decreased strength and flexibility, as well as to scar tissue development.

3. Continued pressure on the nerve due to the subluxation, may lead to numbness or tingling in the area in which the nerve travels.

4. Swelling or inflammation may develop in the disc, joints, or surrounding tissues.

5. Degenerative Joint Disease (known as "DJD" or "osteoarthritis") may occur in the affected area leading to the development of bone spurs.

Remembering that the nerves controlling supplying the function of your body exit between two vertebrae; it is not surprising to correlate ill health to the above progression.