Why crunches the neck: causes, diagnosis, treatment

Why does the neck crackle? The answer to this question is known to few. Therefore, we decided to devote our article to this topic. From it you will learn about the causes of the development of such a pathological phenomenon, its diagnosis and treatment methods.

Basic information

Why does the neck crackle? This question interests many people who periodically encounter this problem. Most often in this phenomenon there is nothing terrible. However, there are cases when a crunch in the neck indicates the development of any disease of the spine.

In modern medicine, the reasons for the occurrence of such a phenomenon have been identified abound. And they are not always connected with muscle tension or banal fatigue.

Why does the neck crackle?

Many people mistakenly believe that the crunch in the neck appears only in the elderly and is associated with age-related changes. However, this phenomenon can occur even in a child.

So, why does the neck crunch? Numerous studies have established that this unpleasant sound is created by joints located in the cervical spine. As you know, the ligaments and muscles in this area are designed to prevent possible traumas, and are necessary for the movement of the head. If the muscle tissue is overstrained or too relaxed, then a strong load is applied to the cervical region, which contributes to the appearance of a characteristic crunch.

Doctors say that such a phenomenon is completely safe, but as long as it does not cause discomfort or does not become a source of pain.

Thus, it can be safely noted that the reasons for which the neck hurts and crunches when turning, can be different. The main points provoking the development of this phenomenon, we will present right now.

Air bubbles

The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae. As is known, there is a special liquid between them. Over time, it forms so-called air bubbles. With the turn and movements of the neck, the vertebrae create quite a strong pressure, as a result of which the latter burst. As a result, a characteristic sound arises.

Growth

In some cases, on one of the cervical vertebrae , a specific growth is formed, which prevents normal glide of the ligaments. If a person tilts or turns his head, then, passing by this build-up, the bundle as it were clinging to it, which creates a certain sound.

Diseases of the spine

If the patient very often crunches his neck when turning his head, this may indicate the development of various problems with the spine. By the way, in such cases, a person is disturbed not only by the characteristic sound, but also by severe pain in the neck, headaches, discomfort in the back or shoulder blade.

The most common diseases of the spine are the following:

• Osteochondrosis. This disease is associated with pathological changes in intervertebral discs. It is characterized by a disruption in the metabolic process and abnormal growth of bone tissue.

With such a disease a person not only hears a crunch in his neck, but also constantly hurts his head, shoulders, hands. Correctly matched pillow with cervical osteochondrosis can reduce discomfort, however, in order to effectively treat this disease, more drastic measures are required.

• Lordosis or kyphosis. Such diseases are the curvature of the upper spine, which can be acquired or hereditary. At the same time, certain changes occur in the muscular and bone tissues of the patient, so when you turn your head you can easily hear a specific sound.

Clinic of manual therapy, where physiotherapy is carried out, can help get rid of the symptoms of kyphosis and significantly alleviate the condition of the patient.

• Osteoarthritis unco-vertebral. This disease manifests itself in a marked pain syndrome, which does not allow a person to freely tilt and turn his head, and also move his hands. With degeneration of the vertebrae, a crunch is often heard in the cervical region, which is accompanied by intolerable pain.

X-ray of the joints quite easily reveals the presence of such a pathological condition. Therefore, with these symptoms, you should immediately contact a doctor.

• Spondylolisthesis is a certain displacement of the vertebrae. With such a disease, severe pain and discomfort in the neck and upper limbs, especially after physical exertion, is felt. Also, spondylolisthesis is characterized by a crunch in the cervical spine.
• Violated calcium metabolism in the body. In this condition, calcium salts can accumulate in the joints, ligaments or bones of the patient, which in the future will inevitably lead to heavy loads on the vertebrae, resulting in sharp turns of the head, you can hear an unpleasant crunch.
• Cervical spondylosis is a disease accompanied by growth and increase in the volume of joints and bone tissue. This pathological phenomenon contributes to the narrowing of the spaces between the vertebrae, which results in severe friction, and when the head turns, a crunch occurs.

Most often cervical spondylosis is diagnosed in the elderly and is associated with age-related changes.

Concomitant Symptoms

A crunch in the neck can be accompanied not only by the pain syndrome, but also by other symptoms. Most often they are the following:

• Dizziness, weakness, nausea;
• Headaches, tinnitus and pain in the heart;
• Discomfort during movement, pressure jumps and pain in the neck;
• Numbness of face and pain in the area of scapula.

If such symptoms occur, you should immediately visit the hospital, since they all indicate pathological changes in the body.

To what doctor to apply? Diagnosis of the disease

Clinic of manual therapy can help with various diseases of the spinal column. But before applying to such an institution, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis. In this you can help specialists such as a neurologist, vertebrologist, traumatologist or orthopedist. It is these doctors that can identify the exact cause of the crunch and discomfort in the neck.

So, how are pathological changes in the spinal column diagnosed? First and foremost, doctors advise to make an x-ray of the joints. In the picture you can see almost all the deviations.

Also, the patient must be sent to CT and MRI of the cervical department, and if necessary, do UZDG.

Methods of treatment

Now you know the main reasons for the crunch in the neck when tilting or turning the head. If such a phenomenon is of a periodic nature and does not cause any special discomfort, then there is nothing to worry about. If the crunch in the cervical region is accompanied by pain and other unpleasant symptoms, then it can be a fairly serious illness.

Most often, the described crunch occurs when osteochondrosis develops. Many people suffer from this disease. As mentioned above, a properly selected pillow with cervical osteochondrosis can reduce pain and minimize the appearance of a crunch. In general, this problem does not solve.

With this disease, patients are often prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medications. After eliminating the pain syndrome, the doctor can recommend physiotherapeutic methods of treatment (for example, gymnastics for the neck).

Osteochondrosis cervical is well treated by means of massage and certain physical exercises. Such methods well strengthen muscles, and also normalize blood circulation.

As for other diseases, the methods of their treatment are similar. People are prescribed NSAIDs, recommend exercise, swimming and eating properly. According to the doctors, only a healthy lifestyle will not give rise to various diseases, including pathologies of the spinal column.

Preventive measures

The appearance of a crunch in the neck is quite easy to prevent, if you regularly deal with its prevention. So, what should I pay my attention to?

• Regular and measured physical activity. When there is tension in the neck, you should immediately change the position of the body, as well as perform several exercises (head inclinations, turns to the sides, etc.)
• In his spare time it is necessary to visit the swimming pool, as swimming helps to remove the pain syndrome and relax the muscles.
• To prevent a crunch in the neck, you need to reduce the consumption of fatty foods, as well as increase the number of protein dishes.
• Therapeutic physical training and regular massage will help to relax the muscles of the entire back.

Also, to prevent crunching in the neck, physical fatigue and sudden movements should be avoided. In addition, it is not recommended to stay in one position for too long.