ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The cavitation sounds heard during chiropractic adjustments of the spine are common phenomena; yet, their location relative to the technique used is relatively untested. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to locate the cavitation sounds during the L5 spinous hook adjustment and a lower sacroiliac adjustment. The sounds were analyzed for significant difference in location relative to the 2 techniques. METHODS: Thirty asymptomatic volunteers were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Each group represented either the spinous hook adjustment or lower sacroiliac adjustment. Subjects had 8 microphones taped to their skin, over the relevant facet and sacroiliac joints. Radiographic confirmation was used to ensure optimal placement of the microphones. Sound signals produced during the adjustments were digitized, recorded, and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The results indicated that no statistically significant correlation existed between the anatomical location of cavitation sounds and the adjustment technique selected. CONCLUSION: Location of cavitation sounds does not appear to have a relationship with type of manipulative technique selected. Further studies using other techniques need to be performed.
