Neck Cracking and Grinding
Neck Cracking and Grinding
A Summary of What the Condition Is
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What commonly causes the symptoms
- Tendon and ligament movement over bone.
- Joint capsule gas release.
- Arthritis.
- Misalignment of joints.
- Pressure changes within the cervical facet joints
- Adjacent bones grinding together.
- Injury: Motorcar accidents and whiplash
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When to seek help:
- If there's pain or stiffness with neck sounds.
- If neck movements make you dizzy.
- If your neck range of motion is severely limited.
- If your cervical spine is unstable.
- If you feel numbness in the neck and/or are light-headed.
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Recommended stretches:
- Lateral neck stretches.
- Chin tucks and retractions.
- Semi-circular neck movements.
- Exercises that strengthen neck muscles improve joint support.
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N.B. and Disclaimer
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⊗Consistent performance of these stretches (twice daily) can significantly improve neck mobility and reduce sounds.⊗This summary, and the rest of this page, and this blog, are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice. They're for educational purposes. Consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns.
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AN OVERVIEW OF NECK GRINDING AND CLICKING
Patient Consultation
Osteopath: Hi, so what brings you here today?Patient: Hi, I’ve been having this grinding and cracking sensation in my neck, especially when I turn my head. It’s been going on for a few months now.
Osteopath: I see. Does it cause you any pain?
Patient: Sometimes, yes. It’s not always painful, but it can feel stiff, and sometimes there’s a dull ache that spreads to my shoulders.
Osteopath: Understood. When did you first notice these symptoms?
Patient: It started a few months ago. I can’t remember exactly when, but I think it got worse after a long day at work where I was sitting at my desk for hours.
Osteopath: That’s helpful to know. Do you do a lot of desk work or spend a lot of time in the same position?
Patient: Yes, I'm a pencil pusher, so I’m at my computer most of the day.
Osteopath: Do you recall any specific injury or incident that could have triggered this? For example, a fall, accident, or sudden movement?
Patient: No, nothing like that. It just sort of crept up on me.
Osteopath: Okay. Have you noticed any other symptoms, like headaches, dizziness, or tingling in your arms or hands?
Patient: I do get occasional headaches, but I’m not sure if they’re related. No dizziness or tingling, though.
Osteopath: Got it. And how about your range of motion? Does the grinding or stiffness limit how far you can turn your head or tilt it?
Patient: Yes, it does. Turning my head to the left feels especially restricted.
Osteopath: Thank you for explaining. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the discomfort or pain when it’s at its worst?
Patient: Maybe a 6 or 7 when it’s really bad.
Osteopath: And does anything make it feel better or worse?
Patient: It feels a bit better with heat or a gentle massage. But sitting for long periods definitely makes it worse.
Osteopath: That’s useful to know. Have you seen anyone about this before or tried any treatments?
Patient: No, this is my first time seeking help for it.
Osteopath: All right. Just to confirm, you don’t have any medical conditions I should know about, like arthritis, or are you on any medication?
Patient: No, nothing like that.
Osteopath: Perfect. Last question—how’s your overall posture during the day?
Patient: Probably not great. I tend to hunch over my desk without realizing it.
Osteopath: That’s quite common. Thanks for sharing all of that. I’m going to start by having a closer look at your posture and doing a few assessments to understand what’s going on. I’ll also check the mobility of your neck and spine.
Patient: Okay, sounds good.
Osteopath: Great. Please lie face up on the examination table so we can have a closer look.
Words & Phrases to Remember
| Term | Definition | Click to hear it |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Spine | The portion of the spine that is located in the neck. | /ˈsɜrvɪkəl spaɪn/ |
| Neck Cracking | A sound produced when the neck is manipulated or moved. | /nɛk ˈkrækɪŋ/ |
| Cervical Radiculopathy | Pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulders and arms. | /ˈsɜrvɪkəl rədɪˈkjuləpi/ |
| Neck Pain | Discomfort or pain in the cervical region. | /nɛk peɪn/ |
| Grinding | A sensation or sound of friction between joints or bones. | /ˈɡraɪndɪŋ/ |
| Whiplash | Injury to the neck caused by sudden jerking motion. | /ˈwɪplæʃ/ |
| Neck Stiffness | Reduced flexibility or mobility in the neck. | /nɛk ˈstɪf.nəs/ |
| Muscle Tension | Tightness in the neck muscles that can cause pain. | /ˈmʌsəl ˈtɛnʃən/ |
| Chiropractic Adjustment | Manual manipulation of the spine to relieve discomfort. | /ˌkaɪrəˈpræktɪk əˈdʒʌstmənt/ |
| Cervical Vertebrae | The seven vertebrae in the neck region of the spine. | /ˈsɜrvɪkəl ˈvɜrtɪbreɪ/ |
| Nerve Root Compression | Pressure on a nerve root in the cervical spine, often causing pain or numbness. | /nɜrv ruːt kəmˈprɛʃən/ |
| Facet Joint | A joint between two vertebrae that allows for movement in the spine. | /ˈfæsɛt dʒɔɪnt/ |
| Cervical Lordosis | The natural inward curve of the cervical spine. | /ˈsɜrvɪkəl lɔrˈdoʊsɪs/ |
| Range of Motion (ROM) | The extent of movement of a joint, often assessed during a physical examination. | /reɪndʒ əv ˈmoʊʃən/ |
| Neck Flexion | The action of bending the neck forward. | /nɛk ˈflɛkʃən/ |
| Neck Extension | The action of bending the neck backward. | /nɛk ɪkˈstɛnʃən/ |
| Cervical Disc | A cushion-like structure between the vertebrae that provides support and flexibility. | /ˈsɜrvɪkəl dɪsk/ |
| Osteopathic Manipulation | A technique used by osteopaths to relieve pain and improve function through manual therapy. | /ˌɑstiəˈpæΘɪk məˌnɪpjuˈleɪʃən/ |
| Anamnesis | The medical history of a patient, including symptoms and previous conditions. | /ˌænəmˈniːsɪs/ |
| Pain Assessment | A process of evaluating the intensity and nature of a patient's pain. | /peɪn əˈsɛsmənt/ |
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