neck cracking: hi just wondering if anyone else has... - PMRGCAuk

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neck cracking

Shaza123 profile image
31 Replies

hi just wondering if anyone else has cracking sounds when they move their head and neck,even my husband can hear it

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Shaza123 profile image
Shaza123
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31 Replies
Merryfield profile image
Merryfield

My neck sounds like popcorn popping almost every time I move it. I am just attributing it to age, not PMR. It doesn’t hurt.

Shaza123 profile image
Shaza123 in reply toMerryfield

To be honest it’s been creeping up on me for the last three weeks sounds worse than it is. Since I’ve come down to 10 mg I’ve been having the strangest feeling of not quite being right. I walked tge dog three days ago and suddenly felt really strange like I was going to fall I went very clammy like a faint feeling,I had to phone my hubby to come and get me it was tge worse I’ve felt and I’m still not quite myself.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toShaza123

It may well be that you are one of the small number who start to feel adrenal problems at a higher dose - occasionally it does start about 10mg. Do these episodes happen when you are doing a bit more than usual?

Thiago1396 profile image
Thiago1396 in reply toPMRpro

I been down to 11mg for 2 weeks now, after my second attempt from 12.5mg, first time I had symptoms return, so went up to 15 for 5 days, the down to 12 for 5 weeks, then down to 11mg. A few minor grumbles in my right shoulder 4 & 5th day which cleared, so planning my next drop to 10mg in another 3 weeks time. Question: I have had some neck cracking for a couple of mornings, for some seconds on waking up, is it possible this could indicate adrenal problems? I was hoping to get through the winter on 10 mg to Spring, to avoid adrenal problem until next summer/autumn when I’m planning to get down to 5mg. My remaining concerns with my PMR is the risk of GCA and Adrenal problems, otherwise I plan to very slowly taper whilst if required remaining at the dose level for a relatively PMR symptom free life, which so far, during my six months since diagnosis has almost been the case.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toThiago1396

Why would neck cracking suggest adrenal problems? At this dose it is possible but unlikely that you need any contribution from the adrenals for normal functions,

It is called crepitus and there are various underlying causes - but occasional cracking of joints is normal. In the morning it is probably related to how you were lying in bed. There is actually a current thread about it!

verywellhealth.com/neck-cre....

Thiago1396 profile image
Thiago1396 in reply toPMRpro

My question was in response to you stating the following: “It may well be that you are one of the small number who start to feel adrenal problems at a higher dose - occasionally it does start about 10mg”

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toThiago1396

But neck cracking isn't likely to be due to adrenal problems.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Yes I do. X Rays have shown that I have moderate Cervical Spondylosis. I believe from extensive screen work in my working life and poor posture.

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD

Yes, I’ve had periods of this during my life. Usually chronic signees somewhere even if my neck doesn’t feel stiff as a whole. It has been helped by osteopathy or Bowen and sometimes just regular massage. Might be worth getting an x-ray if you can.

Did it come one suddenly or creep up after a particularly period or event? How does your neck feel overall?

Shaza123 profile image
Shaza123 in reply toSnazzyD

Well to be honest it’s not to painful ,it sounds worse than it feels. I’m tapering my steroids and feeling really rough today. I’ve got down to 10 mg again but can still lift my arms ok so far which I couldn’t the last time I got to this dose so fingers crossed 👍

Rubinluc profile image
Rubinluc in reply toShaza123

Contact your doctor TODAY. You may need more than 10mg .

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Off and on, never associated with GCA… more likely osteoarthritis.

Have a look at this, has some suggestions on treatment -

verywellhealth.com/neck-cre...

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew

Yes...frequently. Not painful though and mine definitely isn't linked to my PMR.

Age, wearing and general deterioration of vertebrae and surrounding structures likely culprits in my case.

Bcol profile image
Bcol

Ditto comments by Kendrew and the others.

Shaza123 profile image
Shaza123

thanks for all the comments I think I’m just getting old🤣🤣

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toShaza123

Better than the alternative…😳

cycli profile image
cycli

I don't think it's age related. I think it's more about muscle contraction and subsequent release when you rotate or stretch the muscle to release tension. Screen work or keeping head in one position, bad posture all add to this. Rotating head exercise and massage help.

piglette profile image
piglette

I think my cracking neck is just anno domini, like the others it does not hurt it just sounds awful. People round me just laugh and make a joke when it happens in company.

Smithie49 profile image
Smithie49

Hi Shaza. Mine does that and I looked it up - think it's called crepitus. It is uncomfortable but doesn't seem to be serious as far as I could see. It went when I was on higher doses of pred but is back nnow I'm down to 7.5mg.

Slosh profile image
Slosh

Yes - loads lately and sore neck!

Josie-Anne profile image
Josie-Anne

Hi Shaza123,

Yes mine does this all the time it cracks and when turning my head from side to side it grinds, asked my doctor if I could have up to date scan if neck as 2016 showed osteoarthritis from C5-C7, got results back and it’s turned into spondylitis so I would definitely recommend that you get it checked out.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toJosie-Anne

Spondylitis or spondylosis? Ankylosing spondylitis?

S4ndy profile image
S4ndy

Following on from your question, yes I have really noisy neck and shoulder joints. I am a qualified exercise teacher and agree with what others say. Be careful when exercising neck area. Here's a few tips :Never throw your head back and forward or do circles with your head.If you want to do gentle exercises sit comfortably in a chair with your back supported. Relax your shoulders. Imagine there is a shelf in front of you at chin level. Place your chin on the "shelf". Keep your chin on this plane as you exercise.

Keeping your chin on the "shelf" slowly turn your head to the left to look level with your shoulder then back to the centre and then repeat to the right. I suggest 5 reps each side. Keep your chin level. If you are like me it will sound like a creaky door :)

Again keeping your chin level turn to the left to look along your shoulder. Now imagine a fly or spider climbing up the wall and follow with your eyes gently moving your head to follow a line up the wall, across the ceiling and down the other side without throwing your head back. Always return to the"shelf" position. Repeat slowly 5 times.

Starting in the same posture. gently tuck your chin (or chins in my case) into your chest. Don't forget to breathe! Hold for account of 5 then untuck your chin back onto its "shelf". 5 reps is enough at any time.

Lastly, sit in good posture with your chin on the "shelf" and look at the wall in front of you. Gently tilt your head as if following your imaginary pet spider up the wall. When he reaches the ceiling stop. Then follow him back down until your chin is level. Do not tilt your head right back. Effectively you only move your chin up by 45 degrees.

These few simple movements done properly will help mobilise the neck.

If you have undiagnosed head or neck problems please consult your GP before carrying out any exercise program.

Wales20 profile image
Wales20

I have had cracking noises when I move my neck for years. They are much reduced now that my PMR has gone. I think mine related to inflammation and spondyloarthritis in my neck. I have done neck and shoulder exercises, including slowly rotating my neck, for several years now as part of my physiotherapist approved daily exercise programme and I think this has helped to clear the cracking now, which is only minor these days. However, I still have some reduced mobility in my neck.

I hope this is helpful.

mloyuken profile image
mloyuken

Some months after surviving PMR and on the mend, I experienced neck popping (similar to knuckle popping) loud and scary. I went to Chiropractor for my lower back issues and told him. He said after we correct your spinal issues and alignment, it should resolve the neck popping. And it did about 3 months later. I use a chiropractor that uses the "activator spring loaded tool" instead of manipulation. He corrects the alignment with minor adjustments. He used it a few times on the neck, as well. Now 18 months later everything is great.

Digby236 profile image
Digby236

The sound can be created when two rough surfaces in an organism's body come into contact—for example, in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis when the cartilage around joints erodes and the surfaces in the joint grind against one another, or when the two fractured surfaces of the broken bones rub together. Crepitus is a common sign of bone fracture.

Crepitus can easily be created and observed by exerting a small amount of force on a joint, thus 'cracking it'. This is caused by bubbles of nitrogen forming in the synovial fluid bursting. Almost every joint in the body can be 'cracked' in this way, but the joints which require the least amount of force to produce this effect include the hallux (big toes), the knuckles and the neck joints. This phenomenon is caused when the movement of the joint lowers the pressure of its synovial fluid, causing the bubbles to form and burst. A refractory period of about 20 minutes exists where the joint cannot be stimulated to produce crepitus after being cracked until the nitrogen gas dissolves back into the synovial fluid.

cycli profile image
cycli in reply toDigby236

fascinating.

Yes I do, but long before I had PMR. I have osteoarthritis in my neck and I guess that's what causes the cracking crunching noise.

AshPen9 profile image
AshPen9

Yes Shaza123, a few months ago I developed a variety of crunchy joints - neck, shoulder, wrist, ankle. The neck is the worst. It started whilst I was tapering, and at more or less the same time as shoulder and neck pain which I still have, and which the rheumy says may be due to OA or inflammation (the pain that is, not the crunching!). Having a neck MRI next week which will hopefully reveal all. It is a bit frightening isn't it?!

Shaza123 profile image
Shaza123 in reply toAshPen9

Yes it is , good luck with your scan👍

AshPen9 profile image
AshPen9

Thanks!

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