
Having Cracking Sounds In Neck And Back In Certain Movements. What Causes These Crackling Sounds?

For many years I have felt the crackling sound in my neck when I turn my head up and around, so the sensation of the back is just like that. I was told years ago that "everybody" has crackling sounds in their neck.
In any case, what causes these crackling sounds in the neck and back, and why does it occur in the back sometimes and other times? Is this a common thing? Is it likely degeneration that will eventually worsen, or is it possible that it is caused by something else, or perhaps just the muscles? I never experienced it before in my back. Although my family doctor tells me not to worry about it I at least want to understand clearly what the physiology is. Thank you.
Thanks for posting your query.
The painless crackling noise in the neck and back is the gliding of joints as you turn your neck or back. If your joint has been injured or becomes inflamed, the surface may thicken, creating a rubbing sound as you move. A courser noise may indicate more advanced changes in the surfaces of one or more joints. Such changes can be caused by osteoarthritis (OA) or spondylottic changes.
OA can happen from normal wear and tear or changed joint alignment (due to an injury, or when your muscles are tense or in spasm, or from poor spine postures that have been used over the years). A physical therapy program to help with your posture and muscle balance can improve movement in your neck and back and may help stop the noise.
I hope this answers your query.
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Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.


Thanks for writing again.
The crackling could be related to the fall you had years ago. Any such minor pathology cannot be detected on X-rays. MRI scan is the best test for proper evaluation.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards


Regards.

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