Have you ever been sitting for hours in front of your computer or television screen, when the moment you turn your head in a different direction you experience a cracking sensation in your neck? You probably heard a loud cracking sound in your ears as well, right? You’ve just experienced what health experts call crepitus. Crepitus refers to the sounds of bones popping and cracking when you suddenly move your neck. When this happens, bubbles of air that were trapped between your joints are released. This is what causes the cracking sound that you hear.

While neck cracking sounds are usually harmless, and may sometimes feel good after a long time spent sitting still, they can sometimes be a symptom of something more serious. Your neck cracking sounds may be accompanied by neck pain, numbness or difficulty moving your neck. If so, it may be time to see a physical therapist to determine the cause of your neck pain and cracking sounds.

When should I be worried about my neck cracking sounds?

If you experience other symptoms as a result of, or during, your neck cracking, it may be a sign of an underlying condition. Experts recommend seeing a physical therapy specialist if you experience:

• Swelling in your neck — This could be a sign of infection, injury or fluid buildup in the joints of your neck. It could also be a result of osteoarthritis, which causes inflammation in the joints of the body.
• Pain in your neck — If you begin to experience pain in your neck that isn’t related to another injury, then it is recommended that you see a physical therapist to determine the cause.
• Loss of mobility in your neck — You may be cracking your neck because you feel stiffness in your neck. However, if you find yourself experiencing neck cracking more often than usual, it may be a sign of osteoarthritis.
• Loss of motor control — If you begin to experience difficulty moving your arms, hands or fingers after neck cracking, it may be a sign that you have compressed nerves in your neck, or other serious issues.

Can a physical therapist help me with my neck cracking sounds?

While it is normal to experience crepitus every once in a while, it may be time to see a physical therapist if you are experiencing this sensation often. A licensed physical therapist can pinpoint the cause of your crepitus, and can diagnose any underlying conditions that you may be suffering from. 

If you are worried about your continual neck cracking, turn to Continuum Wellness for help. Our team of physical therapy specialists can locate the source of your neck pain and cracking, and develop a custom physical therapy plan to help treat it. Our tried and proven physical therapy techniques will help relieve your pain and restore your mobility, so that you can return to your daily routine without worry. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.