09/11/2025
A topic of many of my coversations with clients is “realignment.” some say "I need to see a chiropractor to realign my spine" or "I was told my spine is not aligned".
You know that cracking sound when someone adjusts your back? It’s not bones being “put back in place.” Your spine isn’t popping out and magically realigning, if it were, you’d be in A&E, not on a treatment table! 😅
👇 Keep reading to find out what’s really going on when your back cracks, and why it feels so good.
That pop you hear is just gas releasing inside the joint as pressure changes, the reason you feel looser afterwards has more to do with your nervous system than your bones.
During spinal manipulation, the movement is tiny, just a few millimetres. The joint surfaces briefly separate, changing the pressure inside the capsule. That rapid pressure drop makes gases (mostly CO₂ and nitrogen) form and collapse, creating that familiar pop. It’s called cavitation, not bones being “put back.”
You might wonder if that’s the same as when your knees or shoulders crack...sort of, but not exactly. Everyday clicks happen from slower pressure changes or tendons moving over bone.
So why does it feel so good?
Because of your nervous system. The quick stretch wakes up sensors in the joint and surrounding tissues, sending a wave of input to your brain and spinal cord. That can calm down pain signals, relax muscles, and temporarily improve movement.
The “realignment” story sticks around because it sounds dramatic and easy to sell. But your spine is incredibly stable, its held together by strong ligaments, discs, and deep muscles. A quick thrust can’t move bones back into place.
If you book in with me, you’ll always get the real explanation, no gimmicks, no “your spine was out” stories, just honest, evidence-based treatment that helps your body work and feel its best.
💆♀️ Message me to book your next session at KF Therapies.
