Neck Crepitus: Popping, Cracking, and Grinding Noises

If you’ve ever heard a popping, cracking, or grinding noise when you turn your head, you’re not alone.  This common condition is known as Neck Crepitus, and while it can sound alarming, it’s often harmless. But what causes it, and when should you be concerned?

What is Neck Crepitus?

Neck crepitus refers to the sounds (often described as popping, cracking, grinding, or snapping) that are heard when moving the neck. These noises can happen during normal movements such as turning the head, tilting the neck, or simply stretching, and are commonly described as painless, however sometimes they can be accompanied by mild discomfort.

What Causes Neck Crepitus?

There are several potential causes of neck crepitus, ranging from completely benign reasons to more serious underlying conditions:

Gas Bubbles


One of the most common reasons for neck crepitus is the presence of tiny gas bubbles in the joints of the neck. The cervical spine is made up of vertebrae that are cushioned by discs and surrounded by fluid, and sometimes gas can build up in this fluid.  When you move your neck, the gas bubbles pop, producing a cracking sound similar to what happens when you crack your knuckles. This is usually harmless and does not indicate any damage.


Ligament or Tendon Movement


Your neck is filled with muscles, ligaments, and tendons that help stabilise and move your head. When you move your neck, these soft tissues may shift slightly, rubbing against bones or snapping back into place. This movement can create a sound that resembles crepitus. Again, this is usually not painful and is not a sign of a problem.


Arthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease


If the cartilage in the neck joints begins to wear down (common as people age), the bones can start rubbing together, leading to a grinding sound. This is more likely to happen in individuals with osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint conditions. While some crepitus is natural with ageing, if it is associated with pain or stiffness, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires medical evaluation.
 

Cervical Instability


In certain cases, especially after trauma (like whiplash), the ligaments and muscles in the neck may not be as stable. This instability can lead to abnormal movement of the vertebrae, causing the bones to grind against each other, resulting in a cracking sound. This type of neck crepitus may require intervention to restore stability to the neck.


Spinal Misalignment


Poor posture, injury, or even prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to misalignment in the cervical spine and therefore can cause clicking or popping sounds during neck movement.

When Should You Worry About Neck Crepitus?

Most of the time, neck crepitus is harmless and doesn’t need treatment. However, there are situations where you should seek medical advice:

• The cracking or popping sound is accompanied by pain.

• You experience stiffness, reduced range of motion, or weakness in the neck or arms.

• The crepitus started after a trauma, such as a car accident or fall.

• You have other symptoms like numbness, tingling, or headaches.

These symptoms may point to underlying conditions such as a herniated disc, cervical radiculopathy, or more serious joint problems that require medical intervention.

Diagnosing and Treating Neck Crepitus

If you experience painful or persistent neck crepitus, you may be recommended diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI, to check for underlying structural issues like arthritis, misalignment, or disc problems. Based on the findings, treatment options may include:

Physical Therapy


A physical therapist can work with you to improve posture, strengthen neck muscles, and increase flexibility, all of which may reduce crepitus and related pain.


Chiropractic Care


Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine and reduce popping or cracking noises by addressing misaligned vertebrae.


Medications


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and pain if arthritis is contributing to neck crepitus.


Lifestyle Changes


Improving your posture, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help relieve pressure on your neck and reduce the occurrence of crepitus.


Surgery


In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct severe degenerative conditions or spinal instability.

Steroid and Prolozone Injections

While steroid injections, and prolozone injections are not specifically aimed at treating neck crepitus, they may help in certain cases where the crepitus is associated with underlying conditions that cause pain and involve joint instability, inflammation, or degeneration.

A steroid injection, also known as corticosteroid, is a potent anti-inflammatory and is very effective at reducing the pain and associated swelling.  The steroid is combined with a local anaesthetic to ensure the procedure is relatively pain-free, and is carried out using ultrasound guidance to ensure the needle is placed in the correct place to get maximal pain relief. 

If neck crepitus is related to osteoarthritis or another inflammatory joint condition, steroid injections may help reduce inflammation around the affected nerves, providing pain relief, reducing numbness and improving mobility.

Prolozone injections are a mixture of ozone gas and nutrients and are injected into the affected area.  Together these therapies promote healing and tissue regeneration, providing relief from pain and improving mobility.   Prolozone injections may help neck crepitus by promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and increasing oxygenation in damaged joints, ligaments, or tendons. This therapy can improve joint stability and reduce friction in the cervical spine, potentially decreasing the popping or cracking sounds associated with neck crepitus.

Neck crepitus, while sometimes unsettling, is usually a benign occurrence that many people experience. In most cases, it’s the result of normal joint and tissue movement and doesn’t require treatment. However, if you notice pain, restricted movement, or other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any serious underlying conditions. With the right diagnosis and care, you can ensure your neck stays healthy and pain-free!

The Optimum Spine Centre and The Leigh Injection Clinic are based on the coast in Leigh on Sea, Essex – perfect for patients in Essex, Kent, London, and surrounding areas. 

https://www.leighinjectionclinic.co.uk

https://optimumspinecentre.co.uk

https://www.hey.nhs.uk/patient-leaflet/soft-tissue-injury-neck-pain/

https://www.verywellhealth.com/neck-crepitus-5114111

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/neck-cracking-and-grinding-what-does-it-mean