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My neck started cracking. Arthritis? Any ideas?
Not sure if this common but am hearing it is. Turned 70, still in pretty good shape. Out of the blue, my neck started cracking(not loud) but very often. Amazing annoying especially in a quiet room. Long story short. I went to the appropriate doctor, and she was not surprised. Took x-ray and then MRI.
Not surprising arthritis mainly. Honestly, no pain thank God. Explained the results(Good/Bad news). Not much can be done without a surgical procedure
and could try therapy. My therapist said "please don't waste your money" and showed me a few exercises for the neck, but honestly can be done at home, to try and strengthen the muscles around the area, and appropriate posture. Wondering if anyone's neck cracks this much out there? I mean many times all day. Solution?(Not that the Dr. was wrong! Thanks and have a good day?
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Mine cracks when I turn my head to the right. No pain just stiffness. Doc feel good gave me an epidural, horrible. Too much anesthetic. Couldn't talk for hours. Didn't HELP me at all. Numbed my larynx. He wanted to burn alternative nerves to identify the source of stiffness. NOPE. Live with it is my prognosis. Eisenhower, Palm Springs, CA.
Hello @psfrankj, Welcome to Connect. I have often felt a cracking sensation when turning my head but haven't had pain or any reason to seek treatment for it. I think stretching and exercises can help keep us moving so that's kind of been my plan for my senior life - just keep moving. I did find a good explanation of why it happens you might find interesting if not helpful.
Neck Cracking and Grinding: What Does It Mean?: https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/neck-cracking-and-grinding-what-does-it-mean
Do you mind sharing what brought you to Connect?
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1 ReactionI learned far more here than from the doctors. Thanks.
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Get images and then referral to physical therapy. It will keep the cracking at bay when you move properly. Most people, not just us, do get some degeneration of neck vertebrae and movement and strengthening of other muscles helps.
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1 ReactionI have images. Phys therapy has been tried. I get more guidance online including phys therapy support. Phys therapy is often a ripoff where they hand you exercise drawings and barely touch the patient. Thanks.
You are certainly correct! After years and years of PT, I am a picky customer. I call and question what the process is in any new clinic is going to be. If they start talking about their "program" instead of their "assessment and treatment plan" I politely say goodbye and go elsewhere.
Sue
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3 ReactionsIn reply to @psfrankj, My neck has popped and cracked, and sometimes I can not turn my head except turn my whole body to see. I have no cushions between my vertebras, so it is bone on bones and my nerve endings. For at least ten years I have had radiofrequency done on C4-C6 on both sides, one at a time. Last time it lasted for three years and now we are on another round. The right side is done and the left side coming up in November. The pain is gone but I still can hear the cracking and popping. I did do PT but that does not build cushions that are already gone. The neck is the only part that has to be done separately, all other parts both sides can be done at the same time. I hope that you find a procedure that will ease your pain. But some parts are just gone forever unless science can make parts to relieve the pain. Stay in touch and let me know what you find out. In the meantime ice packs and heat will help. I try not to take any meds. Stay healthy and be safe. KLH
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1 ReactionMeds don't help cracking but then I have no pain, just stiffness. I won't allow a doctor near me on this again. They fail to explain the realities of their ignorance on this issue. I've made peace with that and accept my age related discomfort. "Do no harm" should be revisited by pain doctors. $$$
Good afternoon @psfrank. I have come back to your post because I am puzzled. I am wondering if heat might help you. There are also special neck collars that massage therapists can recommend for you. Or you can look on Amazon. Here is one that comes with heat.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=neck+massager+with+heat&crid=Q05NCLEQ3L7O&sprefix=neck+%2Caps%2C356&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_11_5
I have a very noisy neck....it crackles and pops all the time. And it gets very stiff. My MFR therapist works on it at both of my weekly sessions. I did have surgery on my neck several years ago and have titanium fusions. Unfortunately when I move, especially after being still for a while, the ligaments around the surgical pop against the titanium blocks. I am used to it now and no there is no danger.....just noisy popping.
The other thing you may want to explore is how you sleep. Is your neck elevated on your pillow? Do you change positions during the night of which you are aware? Once again, when this happens, I head to my MFR therapist so she can release and relax my nighttime "hangups".
What do you think about those options? I sure can vouch for them.
Here is a photo of the neck I am dealing with these days.
May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris
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