Gary L. Dixon, D.C.

Every now and then you may hear that Chiropractic is not safe. This is not true. Even risk-adverse insurance companies recognize the safety of today's chiropractic care.

The premiums for malpractice insurance paid by chiropractors are a mere fraction of what medical practitioners must pay.

Safety is Important!
Many San Diego patients often wonder if they should crack their own back. This question is often posed to chiropractors and concern has been raised over its safety. While people might have the right idea by trying to relieve pressure on the joints, the "cracking" or "popping" of one's back or neck is not the same as a chiropractic adjustment. The problem usually keeps coming back, which should be a clear indication that there has been no real adjustment. The cause of the spinal tension, the fixated or jammed vertebrae, has not been corrected. Even a chiropractor cannot adjust him/herself. You should not try to do it yourself, either.

The “cracking” sound during an adjustment.
The sound is no reason to be concerned. The sound is not coming from the bones themselves. It's coming from a lubricant called synovial fluid that's found in every joint. That fluid contains dissolved gases. During the adjustment the joints are slightly separated to move into proper position. This releases the built-up pressure on the fluid and gases and creates a “pop” similar to the release of pressure when the cork comes off a bottle of Champagne. Not all patients "pop" and not all adjusting techniques produce the noise, which means an adjustment can be proper and effective, even if you do not hear any noise.