Hearing a “pop”, “crack” or a grinding sound in your neck can be alarming, but in most cases these strange sounds pose no cause for concern. Our leading chiropractor in London explains that these “popping” or “cracking” noises, known as Crepitus, are usually nothing more than the release of gas bubbles that have formed between the joints. The release of the gas build-up explains why muscles or joints often feel “looser” after they’ve been “popped” or “cracked”.
According to our chiropractor, people should pay extra attention to the neck if Crepitus is accompanied by pain or restricted movement as this could be indicative of osteoarthritis of the cervical spine. This condition occurs when the cartridge (or “cushion”) between the vertebrae degenerates due to age, injury or the stresses and strains of everyday life. Due to the causes of cervical osteoarthritis, the condition is most commonly seen in people aged 50 and above, although rarely it can be present in younger adults and even children.
If you suspect that you may be suffering from cervical osteoarthritis, contact your GP for an examination.