Dealing Crack?

The crack is usually associated with a chiropractic thrust adjustment to the spine or joints of the body, though the thrust manipulation does not always produce the popping sound.  Additionally, manual therapy techniques may mobilize joints with the hope and intention of providing improved ranges of motion and/or reduced pain.  Through many research studies, manual therapies, both mobilization and manipulation, have been shown to be effective at improving patient outcomes.  Research has shown that patients improve with manual therapies whether or not an audible crack or pop is heard or experienced...no crack is required for therapeutic benefit.

This is not the end of the story...

While patients improve without the crack, research has shown that the audible release is correlated to markers that are directly associated with physiological benefit.  A research study that employed MRI to view spinal joints before and after an adjustment showed significantly more space between spinal joints compared to mobilization without the crack.  Joint space is directly correlated to improved ranges of motion.  Range of Motion is a health outcome marker used in most disciplines of healthcare concerning body mechanics.

Another recent study was conducted to assess neurologic reflex pathways and nerve conduction associated with muscular contraction following chiropractic adjustments.  The study compared the effectiveness of spinal manipulation versus sham (fake) adjustments on these neurologic pathways and found through neurologic assessment that  there was significant improvement in the neurological pathways being assessed, only when an audible cavitation was perceived with spinal manipulation.  Without cavitation, there were no difference between the real adjustments versus the fake adjustments. 

Moral of the story...Patients improve with or without crack...however, there are physiologically beneficial health markers that are associated with audible cavitations (cracks and pops).

At Gallatin Valley Chiropractic, the doctors work to restore healthy joint motion.  They employ multiple techniques, some producing cavitations others not.  The doctors can modify their treatment based on patient preference or patient needs.  They are not just crack dealers ;)

We encourage you to discuss your preferences and needs with your doctors at Gallatin Valley Chiropractic to achieve your desired health outcomes.  

Call 406-551-2177 for a consultation or appointment and GET YOUR CRACK TODAY!!!