Very small gas bubbles can form within your synovial joints (joints, including facet joints, that have a lubricating lining and fluid). When the bubbles collapse, they are released, which creates cracking noises in your joints. In this case, these cracking sounds can happen during your neck's natural movements.
Neck crepitus is cracking, popping, and grinding sounds in your neck. They can be caused by tightness and stiffness, poor posture, or arthritis. Neck crepitus isn't generally a cause for concern. But chronic, repetitive, or painful cracking could point to a more serious problem.
This fluid contains natural gas, so when movement occurs at the joints this gas can be released from the fluid. This is even more common with rapid movements like fast turns or impacts to the neck. The release of the gas is what can create a clicking, crunching or popping noise.
Neck manipulation, which can often lead to cracking, through massage and stretching of the soft tissue, has been shown to correct the positioning of the spine, and to relieve pain. Those in favor of the process say that it is more effective than other treatments, such as exercising the muscles that support the spine.
Massage therapy for the neck is a relatively safe treatment. Some people may experience increased neck soreness and/or swelling shortly after a massage, but these side effects typically do not last long.
Doing massage therapy for neck pain can help reduce the severity of acute neck pain and help muscles relax. But, strictly doing massage therapy will likely not solve the underlying problems, even after the severe pain is gone.
The cracking, clicking or popping noise is caused when the facet joints in the spine are opened up in the course of the manipulation. The process is just as it is when your knuckles or your knees click.
Chiropractic care is unlike any other and is by far the best way to correct the problem of neck pain and/or crepitus-crackling.
Does crepitus go away? In most cases, crepitus will improve without the need for medical treatment. Applying ice to the area and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, will usually be enough to alleviate your pain and inflammation.
Very small gas bubbles can form within your synovial joints (joints, including facet joints, that have a lubricating lining and fluid). When the bubbles collapse, they are released, which creates cracking noises in your joints. In this case, these cracking sounds can happen during your neck's natural movements.
Crepitus is considered harmless, and studies have not shown any evidence that it can cause joint damage or raise risk for arthritis. A surefire sign that a neck crack is the result of crepitus is to repeat the movement that caused it and see if it occurs again.
Crepitus usually is not a cause for concern. In fact, most people's joints crack or pop occasionally, and that is considered normal. But if crepitus is regular and is accompanied by pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, it may be an indication of arthritis or another medical condition.
What's going on inside the muscle? Lack of blood supply to the muscle causes lactic acid to build up, over time this can solidify with calcium deposits and is often the reason we hear a crunching sound when trying to realise the knots.
Crackling
The joints are often referred to as “facet joints”. When we move our head and neck, the facet joints glide and slide over one another. As the lubrication begins to wear away and decrease over time, the surfaces of the facets can rub or grind over each other, creating a cracking sound.
Simply place two fingers on your muscle knot and put pressure on it. Then hold for 10 seconds and release. You can do this a couple of times. Many will notice significant relief from this technique.
Using an elliptical machine, stationary bike, or doing squats or lunges are great ways to build up strength in your legs and knees. Consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Never skip a workout warm-up. If you exercise and your muscles are cold, you risk injury.
Treatment. Treatment for crepitus will depend on the cause. Osteopathy can be extremely beneficial in the treatment of tight muscles and arthritis. It involves a combination of soft tissue massage, mobilisations, joint manipulations, muscle stretching, postural assessment, advice and exercise prescription.
Physical therapy is a great option for treating minor to moderate neck crepitus. A physical therapist can examine your shoulders, neck and head to determine the root cause of the crepitus. Then, they'll build you a personalized treatment plan designed to address that root cause.
There is an abundance of blood vessels in your neck that can be damaged by continuous cracking. These vessels carry blood to, and away from your brain, so forceful and constant neck cracking can increase your risk of stroke by damaging these vessels.
As long as you visit a trusted, experienced chiropractor, you can rest assured that the neck adjustments you receive are safe and effective. Here are the benefits of treating neck pain with chiropractic care: Relieve chronic pain and stiffness at the source. Find relief without taking medication or undergoing surgery.
A qualified upper cervical chiropractor adjusts your neck using very precise manual or instrument assisted adjustments — some table-mounted and some handheld. These instrument-assisted neck adjustments are very safe, very precise, and very comfortable.
Another area of endangerment is the posterior triangle of the neck, also known as the back of the neck or the nape of the neck. This area is where the cervical vertebrae are. Massage therapists should also avoid putting pressure on the suprasternal notch, or the top part of the sternum.
A simple Swedish massage may provide you some relief and help loosen your neck so that you can move your head without pain. The focus of Swedish massage is relaxation, so this massage can help you if you feel as though you're under a lot of stress.