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What Causes Neck And Spine Popping After Cough?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Sep 2015
Question: EVERY TIME I cough my neck pops, sometimes my lower spine pops. However, every time I cough my neck pops. sometimes it hurts, it's very annoying and worrying. My dad has sciatica, I don't know if that is hereditary? I'm in my early 30's. Female.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is a harmless condition.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Neck and spine popping after cough is related to changes of pressure into synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid is the lubricant of neck and spinal articulations that contains nitrogen and carbon dioxide that form bubbles.

When cracked due to pressure changes, these bubbles make popping sound.

This process is usually harmless and is not related to sciatica, s, in my opinion, you shouldn't worry too much.

Sciatica isn't an inherited condition, however if you experience symptoms related to sciatica such lower back pain, leg(s) pain and numbness, you should have clinical medical evaluation.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Keep staying healthy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Thank you. Is there a way to make it stop popping? I have an upper respiratory infection and I'm coughing a loooot. The popping starts at the base of my neck and travels up to just under my skull, it's so weird. I haven't been able to pop my ears for two days either. I went to the doctor this past Wednesday and got meds for the uri. symptoms of the uri started this past Tuesday with just a sore throat. Prior to this uri I didn't have popping like this....
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Neck exercises should help.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

There is a little to do about stopping neck popping.

Treatment of upper respiratory infection and cough should improve popping too.

You can start neck exercises with the aim to strengthen neck muscles and make the neck more stable to sudden movements.

During neck exercises some of the bubbles get cracked too, so in this way making coughing less bothersome.

Again, you shouldn't worry too much about this condition, keep following up with your Doctor about upper respiratory infection treatment.

Hope I helped you. Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (16 hours later)
Thank you, you have been a lot of help. I appreciate it very much. Have a good rest of your weekend.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Glad I helped you.

Have a good weekend you too.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4502 Questions

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What Causes Neck And Spine Popping After Cough?

Brief Answer: It is a harmless condition. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Neck and spine popping after cough is related to changes of pressure into synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is the lubricant of neck and spinal articulations that contains nitrogen and carbon dioxide that form bubbles. When cracked due to pressure changes, these bubbles make popping sound. This process is usually harmless and is not related to sciatica, s, in my opinion, you shouldn't worry too much. Sciatica isn't an inherited condition, however if you experience symptoms related to sciatica such lower back pain, leg(s) pain and numbness, you should have clinical medical evaluation. Hope you found the answer helpful. Keep staying healthy.