HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Cracking Sounds And Pain In Neck Post Back Surgery?

Posted on Sat, 26 Sep 2015

Question: I had a procedure done on my back, and I have had many of these before for my back. I'm not sure what they are called but they inject my back with medication to ease the pain in my back. The last one was a bilateral injection and it didn't work like the others have in the past, and on top of that whenever I turn my neck left or right it's cracking and my neck is always in pain. The neck problem started about 2 months ago. I need to contact my spine doctor again but would like to know why this is going on and what is causing it. I am very uncomfortable.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs surgery for permanent solution

Detailed Answer:
hi,
I am Dr Mittal. I have read your message. I think I can help you.
The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of a possible nerve compression at the exit of the spine. When for some reason the surgery cannot be done and all else fails nerve block Is done.
I would suggest an MRI of the spine if not already done. If needed , you can talk to the spine surgeon to get a permanent solution to the problem.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (4 days later)

I have had every scan, MRI and whatever else has been ordered and I have no discs in the lower L2L3, I have sciatica and in the upper spine near the top of my spine they found another disc that was starting to go which is probably the reason for all the cracking that is now going on and my neck is also hurting me a lot with the onset of constant headaches I get. I'm afraid of surgery if it is suggested but I think I may be a little more willing to do a non invasive type of surgery to insert screws. I'm not quite sure if non invasive would be as beneficial as a wide open incision type surgery but that is all I might agree to. I had a very bad fall in 2000 and since then my back slowly deteriorated to where it is at now. Medications don't help. I was taken off XXXXXXX and put on 1/2 tab of Tizanidine twice daily and 800 mg of Neurontin twice daily. They've given me Tramadol with APAP for pain, that doesn't do anything to ease my back. The XXXXXXX did help reasonably for the spasms but my current doctor told me those were not good for me and wouldn't refill the rx anymore. I'm at my wits end with "always" being extremely uncomfortable or in pain. I guess maybe I should just face the fact that I'm never going to get well and that I probably will never find a doctor that is really gonna to help alleviate this problem and it will continue to get worse until the day I day a hunchback.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
2 options considering the apprehension

Detailed Answer:
I have read your response.
I would have suggested a surgery.
That may have been the best solution.
However considering your apprehension to surgery, I can suggest just 2 other options.
1. Intense physiotherapy and TENS therapy.
2. Nerve block.
These are the best options.
I would still recommend considering meeting with a spinal surgeon.
There may be some form of surgery that may be suitable to your level of apprehension.

Best of luck
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (4 days later)

I don't know the name of the procedure but I'm lightly sedated and needles are put I the areas the need it the most and some t type of steriod is injected on out patient basis. I come home sleep take it easy a few days and let the medication run it course. The pain will subside for about 6 months and I do the same thing over and over and in the past that had been my relief. But the last one didn't work as well as the other ones have. And now I'm also having problems with my neck. What I described above isn't nerve blocking is it? It's just getting harder and harder to do my housework and things around the house and it gets pretty frustrating to the point of tears.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The procedure is similar, medicine isnt

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I think what you have described is like a nerve block including effective period. only anesthesia is used not steroids in nerve block.
I think you should seriously consider surgery.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (35 hours later)

Thank you. I will be seeing my doctor this week and will discuss the type of surgery he performs, and if it is the non invasive type I will seriously consider it. I want to have my neck problem taken care of also. I have one more question for you. I have many medical things going on, it's taking allot out of me. What causes TMJ? I went to see my dentist and she suggested I see an oral surgeon. I don't have the money to cover they and my insurance won't cover. I will wait for your answer as to what caused that now too. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try antispasmodic

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry.
I am not a dentist. So it's not strictly my area.
It's usually caused by a couple of conditions like muscle spasms.
In fact very frequently, I have seen antispasmodic medicine act nicely.
I don't think it is related to your back condition.
Best of luck. Dr Mittal.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar