AboutJ.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C. Expertise I can answer questions related to the customary practice of chiropractic, different types of chiropractic, as well as the routine management of common musculoskeletal conditions. My background and approach to healthcare emphasizes evidence-based integration of complimentary and alternative therapies with traditional allopathic care.
Please note: Due to the limitations of email communication, I cannot answer questions seeking a potential diagnosis or a second opinion. Without exception, any answers given may be used for educational purposes only. If a question is asked, you, the questioner, inherently agree to not use the answer for any type of evidence against another individual or to outweigh the advice or opinion of another healthcare professional. You, the questioner, also inherently agree to remove Allexperts.com and its affiliates and the author of the answer, Dr. JR Strecker, DC, from any harm or liability.
Experience I have extensive experience with chiropractic in an integrated system. I have treated patients at Venice Family Clinic, the nation’s largest free clinic and a teaching clinic for the UCLA medical system, in a heavily researched pilot program incorporating chiropractic and acupuncture with allopathic medicine. I am currently focused on private practice.
Organizations American Chiropractic Association
California Chiropractic Association
Publications Dr. JR Strecker’s Practice -- featured story (Front Page of Business Section), The Palisadian Post. Oct. 25th, 2007. (Dr. Strecker not the original author).
Education/Credentials Bachelor’s of Science, Human Biology (Cleveland Chiropractic College)
Doctor of Chiropractic, Cum Laude Honors (Cleveland Chiropractic College)
Awards and Honors Youngest chiropractor in professional history to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree
Past/Present Clients Consulting Chiropractor for Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy – Pacific Palisades, CA
I was just wondering what do the cracking sounds mean when a chiropractor manipulates the spine? I notice a chiropractor I've recently been seeing manipulated my neck and the upper and middle back area and they all cracked. However, when he manipulated the lower back, no cracking sounds came out.
Answer Disclaimer: please do not take any of my advice without at least consulting with your doctor(s) first. If necessary, print this email in its entirety for your doctor(s) to read. In addition, please do not attempt to use this website or my advice as a substitute for your healthcare needs, as a substitute for the advice of your doctor, or as a substitute for any legal advice. There is no way a thorough health evaluation or assessment of any medical condition can be properly made via email. Please only use the contents discussed as a guide or tool to address your health matters with your doctor(s). If any of the information I provide conflicts in anyway with the information your doctor(s) provide, it is always best to default to the information provided by your consulting doctor(s) or to seek additional opinions from qualified, licensed healthcare providers as needed.
Hello S.,
There are a variety of possibilities causing the “cracking” sounds in your spine. It is a question that patients commonly ask chiropractors. And unfortunately, there isn’t always a clear answer as to the cause in certain situations. There is speculation that of the most commonly accepted reasons why joints crack is from nitrogenous gases releasing that can build up in the joints or connective tissue. However, this is still debated, and there isn’t a great deal of research on the matter because it doesn’t have a clinical impact on healthcare and it’s an unprofitable topic for researchers to develop further. However, sometimes certain areas of the body will crack for known reasons. Some of the known reasons causing “popping sounds” in the joints can come from scar tissue, degeneration, tendons stretching, or joint subluxation. There really isn’t a great deal of concern unless you notice it worsening in a progressive manner over time.
As for your low back not “popping,” again, I wouldn’t be too alarmed. Sometimes the area that doesn’t “pop” may have more stability, less scar tissue, or more smooth joint mobility. Another possibility is the low back is tighter; the muscles may be restricting the low back motion. It’s just too difficult to tell, there are too many variables, and there aren’t many scientific methods, procedures, or tests to determine which is causing your situation that can give you a clear-cut answer.
And lastly, there are anatomical differences from patient to patient. For example, I have some patients that require a moderate to significant thrust to adjust their spines to achieve a “popping” sound while others only require a tiny push to do this. It just varies patient to patient, and there is no way for me to know until I adjust the patient. Just realize your question is a very common question and concern patients have, and the varying degrees of some people popping more than others is extremely wide-ranging with no clear understanding of why.
