Neck cracking and grinding
Also known as crepitus, meaning the noise heard during joint movements.
Such as: cracking, popping, snapping, grinding.
This can occur in any movable joint, but most commonly heard in neck, shoulders, knees and ankles.
Some of my most asked questions and concerns are “My shoulder/neck clicks when I move. Why is that? Is that bad? Can you fix it? Or am I just getting old?”
So when should you be concerned?
Crepitus is commonly painless and typically no serious structural damage.
If pain, stiffness and/or swelling occurs during crepitus, or crepitus occurs after trauma, recent surgery or injury, THEN there could be a more serious medical condition.
This is when you should consult a doctor or health professional
Neck crepitus is thought to occur when structures in the spine rub together and makes sounds.
What are some likely causes for this?
Articular pressure changes:
When tiny gas bubbles collapse or form in joints, the release creates the popping sounds.
Happens during natural movement or manipulations (such as cracking knuckles or a chiropractic treatment)
2. Ligament or tendon moving around bone:
Ligaments or tendons can make a snapping noise as it moves around a bone and/over each other (caused by tight muscles/tissue or less elasticity)
*Imagine a taught elastic band flicking over something
3. Bone-on-bone grinding:
Facet joint degeneration from osteoarthritis
Protective cartilage wears down and bones can start rubbing against each other
Disc degeneration = less cushioning between each vertebrae
More likely to occur frequently with movement and not go away, accompanied by pain
MYTHS AND FACTS:
Myth: Frequent cracking gives you arthritis
FACT: Crepitus sounds can occur with arthritis but it does not lead to/cause arthritis
Myth: Only occurs when you’re older
FACT: Can happen at any age, but might get louder as you age or change sounds because of weakened structures
So, you may be wondering, how does this get treated then?
We are more concerned about treating your pain, as finding the reason for painless crepitus can be inconclusive - but we can try if it’s due to tightness!
If there is no pain but it bothers you, perhaps consult a health professional to ease your mind.