I’d like to see a Chiropractor but I don’t like the ‘cracking’, ‘popping’ or ‘crunching’ sound. Is there another way to get Chiropractic without the noise?

Low force Chiropractic with the Activator instrument

Is there another way to get chiropractic adjustments without the ‘cracking’? Yes, there is…in fact, there are several ways of having chiropractic adjustments without being cracked!

Clicking, crunching or popping sounds makes some people sick to the stomach. Some people are just cautious of having their Neck manipulated, either due to fear or a general preference. Sometimes, it’s enough to stop them from seeing a chiropractor for their condition altogether. However, some people suffering from Low Back Pain, Neck Pain and Headaches, often see great results from receiving Chiropractic care.

Our Chiropractors are trained in ‘low-force techniques‘ that don’t involve ‘clicking’ or ‘cracking’ the spine.  Although chiropractors are well-known for clicking and popping the spine, it’s not the only way to provide chiropractic adjustments. In fact, there are many alternative techniques that are gentle and even relaxing.

What causes the ‘cracking’ sound?

Research shows that the noise from the joint comes from nitrogen gas coming out of solution and releasing when the two bones within a joint separates suddenly during the chiropractic adjustment. It’s similar to a drinking glass placed upside-down on a wet table and suddenly lifted. The lift creates a vacuum bubble and ‘pops’ once the glass is fully lifted. Both the patient and the doctor can hear these sounds; and sometimes anyone close by. The adjustment noise is louder in the Neck because it’s closer to the ears and because noise travels better through bone.

Chiropractic adjusting instruments that doesn't involve 'cracking' the spine.
Chiropractic adjusting instruments: (Clockwise from top left) Impulse gun, Impulse gun attachments, Activator instrument, red Biomechanical wedges.

Low-Force Techniques: Chiropractic without the cracking

The low-force techniques used by our chiropractors at Point Cook Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre include:

  • Activator techniques: This uses an instrument, called an Activator, that people often refer to as the ‘click-click’ instrument,
  • Sacro-Occipital Technique (commonly referred to as SOT): This involves the use of triangular blocks (known as wedges or biomechanical blocks) to gently ease the joints into proper alignment, 
  • Impulse Protocol: This technique utilises a gun-like instrument that delivers an ‘impulse’ to the spine. This is similar to the Activator, 
  • Thompson Drop Piece: This technique uses specially-designed tables with sections that rise up by a few millimetres. The table is raised at the desired location for the adjustment and a light pressure is applied. The adjustment is applied by pushing on the body above the raised section to cause it to drop.
  • General Mobilisation techniques: Used when the spine just requires gentle manipulation to release tension and tightness .

Let your Chiropractor know your preference.

If you prefer having chiropractic using one of the abovementioned low-force techniques, let your chiropractor or one our staff know. Here are 5 opportunities to tell us that you are sensitive to having your neck manipulated:

  • When you call for your first visit, 
  • While speaking with the chiropractor at the Initial Consultation or,
  • When you come in for your first adjustment,
  • After your first manual adjustment,
  • Whenever you feel like trying a low-force technique.

As long as you ask, our chiropractors will accommodate your request and use the technique that provides you with the most comfortable chiropractic experience.

If you have any questions or concerns about receiving chiropractic care, we would like to help. Call us today on 9394 8888. Or if you wish to book an appointment, click here to book online.

Please feel free to read our other Blog articles to learn more about Chiropractic and our other services. We hope to hear from you soon.

Scroll to Top