Thought I was talking about cereal, didn’t you? No, those are the sounds my friggin neck keeps making every friggin morning. I am debating going to another chiropractor, but then I almost have to start all over, as he will know nothing of my history.
It is /really/ starting to piss me off, though. I am greatly limited in what I can do, and I have a ton of stuff to do


My brother is a chiro down in Columbia, SC. He’ll happily chat with you about the pros and cons of switching docs and what questions to ask that might help in your decision.
Doug sent me this way … yes, I’m a chiropractor in SC and there are some things about the cracking neck sound in the morning.
First, how long have you been getting adjusted, and how frequently? If you have just begun care, your body could be in a transitional phase of moving from lack of motion (subluxation) to proper motion. In this in-between limbo, sometimes there is more noise as your body adjusts from wanting to be in the old, misaligned position to learning the new, proper-motion position.
Also, how are you sleeping (please don’t say on your stomach). Good sleeping positions can make a huge dierence in how you feel when you first wake up. One pillow, preferably a curved cervical (or orthopedic) pillow that will properly support your neck. Sleeping with you head in a flexed position (chin to chest) will work against the proper forward curve in your neck. This posture is promoted by sleeping with multiple pillows or too thick of a pillow.
And … I’m out of letters…
OK … picking up where my rambling left off…
There are multiple techniques. I use more “low-force” techniques (Thompson drop, Activator) but each adjusting technique brings with it it’s own unique benefits. Before switching, communicate your concerns with the doctor. You may need to schedule some extra time for this, depending on how his office operates. If you do need to switch, many chiropractors can simply transfer records and eliminate many of the “starting over” mess. Expect some additional exam tests to complete their paperwork. But before switching, get a referral from a friend or your current DC. This is very beneficial because you know what kind of results to expect. And investigate the various techniques. To list a few… Toggle (or HIO) is an upper-cervical specific technique. Gonstead is side-posture and seated cervical adjusting, Thompson Drop, Diversified (a catch-all, really), Activator … those are the major players. Ask questions and good luck.
And finally (will he ever shut up?) when in doubt go with a Palmer graduate.
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