Why does my neck crackle? Few people know the answer to this question. Therefore, we decided to devote our article to this topic. From it you will learn about the causes of the development of such a pathological phenomenon, its diagnosis and treatment methods.
Basic information
Why does my neck crackle? This question interests many people who periodically encounter this problem. Most of the time there is nothing to worry about. However, there are cases when a crunch in the neck indicates the development of a disease of the spine.
In modern medicine, there are plenty of reasons for the occurrence of such a phenomenon. Moreover, they are far from always associated with muscle tension or banal fatigue.
Why does my neck crackle?
Many people mistakenly believe that a crunch in the neck appears only in the elderly and is associated with age-related changes. However, even a child can experience such a phenomenon.
So why is the neck crackling? Numerous studies have established that this unpleasant sound is created by the joints located in the cervical spine. As you know, the ligaments and muscles in this area are designed toprevent possible injury, and are necessary for the movement of the head. If the muscle tissue is overstressed or too relaxed, then a strong load is placed on the cervical region, which contributes to the characteristic crunch.
Doctors say it's perfectly safe, as long as it doesn't cause discomfort or pain.
Thus, we can safely say that the reasons why the neck hurts and crackles when turning can be different. We will present the main points that provoke the development of such a phenomenon right now.
Air bubbles
The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae. As you know, there is a special liquid between them. Over time, so-called air bubbles form in it. When turning and moving the neck, the vertebrae create quite a strong pressure, as a result of which the latter burst. As a result, a characteristic sound appears.
Growth
In some cases, a specific outgrowth is formed on one of the cervical vertebrae, preventing the normal sliding of the ligaments. If a person tilts or turns his head, then, passing by this growth, the ligament clings to it, as it were, which creates a certain sound.
Disorders of the spine
If the patient's neck crackles very often when turning the head, this may indicate the development of various problems with the spine. By the way, in such cases, a person is worried not only by the characteristic sound, but also by severe pain in the neck,headaches, discomfort in the back or shoulder blade.
The most common diseases of the spine are as follows:
- Osteochondrosis. This disease is associated with pathological changes in the intervertebral discs. It is characterized by a violation of the metabolic process and abnormal growth of bone tissue.
With such a disease, a person not only hears a crunch in the neck, but also constantly has a headache, shoulders, arms. A properly selected pillow for cervical osteochondrosis can reduce discomfort, but more drastic measures are required for the effective treatment of this disease.
Lordosis or kyphosis. Such diseases are a curvature of the upper spine, which may be acquired or hereditary. At the same time, certain changes occur in the patient's muscle and bone tissues, so when you turn your head, you can easily hear a specific sound
A chiropractic clinic with physiotherapy can help relieve the symptoms of kyphosis and provide significant relief.
Arthrosis uncovertebral. Such a disease is manifested by a pronounced pain syndrome that does not allow a person to freely tilt and turn his head, as well as move his hands. With degeneration of the vertebrae, a crunch is often heard in the cervical region, which is accompanied by unbearable pain
X-ray of the joints quite easily reveals the presence of such a pathological condition. Therefore, with the above symptoms, you should immediately contactdoctor.
- Spondylolisthesis is a slight displacement of the vertebrae. With this disease, there is severe pain and discomfort in the neck and upper limbs, especially after exercise. Also, spondylolisthesis is characterized by a crunch in the cervical hotel of the spine.
- Impaired calcium metabolism in the body. In such a condition, calcium s alts can accumulate in the joints, ligaments or bones of the patient, which in the future will inevitably lead to strong loads on the vertebrae, as a result of which an unpleasant crunch can be heard when the head turns sharply.
- Cervical spondylosis is a disease accompanied by growth and increase in the volume of joints and bone tissue. Such a pathological phenomenon contributes to the narrowing of the spaces between the vertebrae, resulting in strong friction, and when the head is turned, a crunch occurs.
Cervical spondylosis is most often diagnosed in older people and is associated with age-related changes.
Associated symptoms
Cracking in the neck can be accompanied not only by pain, but also by other symptoms. Most often these include the following:
- dizziness, weakness, nausea;
- headaches, tinnitus and heartaches;
- moving discomfort, pressure spikes and neck pain;
- numbness of the face and pain in the shoulder blades.
If such signs occur, you should immediately visit the hospital, as they all indicate pathological changes in the body.
Which doctor should I contact? Disease Diagnosis
The manual therapy clinic can help with various diseases of the spinal column. But before contacting such an institution, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis. Specialists such as a neurologist, vertebrologist, traumatologist or orthopedist can help you with this. It is these doctors who are able to identify the exact cause of the crunch and discomfort in the neck.
So, how are pathological changes in the spinal column diagnosed? First of all, doctors advise to do an x-ray of the joints. Almost all deviations can be seen in the picture.
Also, the patient must be sent for CT and MRI of the cervical region, and if necessary, ultrasound is done.
Treatments
Now you know the main causes of crunching in the neck when tilting or turning the head. If such a phenomenon is periodic and does not cause much discomfort, then there is nothing to worry about. If the crunch in the cervical region is accompanied by pain and other unpleasant symptoms, then we can talk about quite serious diseases.
Most often, the described crunch occurs with the development of osteochondrosis. Many people suffer from this disease. As mentioned above, a properly selected pillow for cervical osteochondrosis can reduce pain and minimize the occurrence of a crunch. In general, this will not solve the problem.
With this disease, patients are often prescribed anti-inflammatory and painkillers. After the pain syndrome has been eliminated, the doctor mayrecommend physiotherapy treatments (such as neck exercises).
Cervical osteochondrosis is well treated through massage and certain physical exercises. Such methods strengthen muscles well and also normalize blood circulation.
As for other diseases, the methods of their treatment are similar. People are prescribed NSAIDs, recommended to exercise, swim and eat right. According to doctors, only a he althy lifestyle will prevent the development of various diseases, including pathologies of the spinal column.
Preventive measures
The appearance of a crunch in the neck is quite easy to prevent if you regularly engage in its prevention. So what should you pay attention to?
- Regular and measured physical activity. If tension appears in the neck, you should immediately change the position of the body, as well as perform several exercises (tilts of the head, turns to the sides, etc.)
- In your free time, you should definitely visit the pool, as swimming helps relieve pain and relax muscles.
- To prevent crunching in the neck, it is necessary to reduce the intake of fatty foods, as well as increase the amount of protein meals.
- Therapeutic exercise and regular massage will help relax the muscles of the entire back.
Also, to prevent a crunch in the neck, physical overwork and sudden movements should be avoided. Exceptin addition, it is not recommended to stay in one position for too long.
