My Neck Is Cracking And Grinding, Is That A Problem?

If you turn your head around to safely reverse out of the driveway, you may notice a faint cracking or grinding sensation in your neck, especially if you’re a little older. These sounds and sensations may be a little unnerving, but are they actually a sign that you need to see a neck specialist? In today’s blog, we explain what you’re experiencing if you’re dealing with a popping, cracking or grinding sensation at times in your neck, and when these sensations suggest you should consult with a spine specialist.

Is Neck Cracking Serious?

The cracking sound you may sometimes hear in your neck when you twist your head significantly is likely a very normal sensation. This is called crepitus, and when it occurs without pain, it’s usually not something that you need to worry about. Here’s a look at some of the reasons why you may be experiencing neck crepitus.

• Pressure Changes – Very tiny gas bubbles can form or collapse within the synovial joints and be released during forceful movement, leading to the popping sound you are hearing. It is similar to when you crack your knuckles and hear a quick cracking or popping sound. Tiny gas bubbles in the joint are either forming or collapsing with these movements and contributing to this sound.
• Soft Tissue Movement – Soft tissues like ligaments and tendons attach to bones, and sometimes these tissues can make a snapping sound as they move around or over a bony area. This tends to be more common if muscles are tight or they begin to lose some natural elasticity as we get older.
• Bone on Bone Grinding – Another possible cause of this sensation is due to natural degeneration of protective cartilage in the neck. If this degeneration has led to bone on bone contact, you may feel a grinding or cracking sensation when movements cause bones to come in contact with one another.

Neck crepitus isn’t really something in and of itself that suggests you should set up a consultation with a head and neck specialist, but that’s only if the condition is asymptomatic. If your neck grinding or popping occurs in combination with other uncomfortable symptoms like pain, stiffness or swelling, it is a sign that you should reach out to a professional. These symptoms suggest that there is more going on than a simple release of gas or sticking soft tissue, and left untreated, there’s a good chance that your symptoms will worsen. Don’t wait until neck pain becomes a major part of your life to talk to your doctor about the symptoms that you are experiencing.

So in the end, that popping or grinding sensation you may experience from time to time in your neck isn’t something to worry about so long as you are not dealing with any other physical symptoms. However, if you’re also dealing with neck discomfort or pain, it’s a sign that you should have a specialist take a closer look at your neck. Oftentimes something as simple as some posture adjustments and physical therapy exercises can help you get back to pain-free neck movement.

For more information about neck crepitus, or to talk to a specialist about a different issue you’re dealing with in your neck or spine, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.