Why does the neck crunch? The answer to this question is few. Therefore, we decided to devote our article to this topic. From it you will learn about the causes of the development of such a pathological phenomenon, its diagnosis and treatment methods.
Basic information
Why does the neck crunch? This question interests many people who periodically encounter this problem. Most often, this phenomenon is not a big deal. However, there are cases when a crunch in the neck indicates the development of a disease of the spine.
In modern medicine, the causes of this phenomenon have been identified abundantly. Moreover, they are not always associated with muscle tension or banal fatigue.
Why does the neck crunch?
Many people mistakenly believe that a crunch in the neck appears only in older people and is associated with age-related changes. However, such a phenomenon can occur even in a child.
So why does the neck crunch? Numerous studies have found that joints located in the cervical spine create this unpleasant sound. As you know, ligaments and muscles in this area are designed to prevent possible injuries, and are necessary for the implementation of head movement. If the muscle tissue is overstrained or too relaxed, then a heavy load is placed on the cervical spine, which contributes to the appearance of a characteristic crunch.
Doctors say that this phenomenon is completely safe, but until it causes discomfort or becomes a source of pain.
Thus, it can be safely noted that the reasons why the neck hurts and crunches when turning can be different. The main points that provoke the development of such a phenomenon, we will present right now.
Air bubbles
The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae. As you know, between them is a special fluid. Over time, so-called air bubbles form in it. When turning and moving the neck, the vertebrae create quite strong pressure, as a result of which the latter burst. As a result, a characteristic sound arises.
Growth
In some cases, a specific growth is formed on one of the cervical vertebrae that impedes the normal gliding of the ligaments. If a person bends or turns his head, then, passing this growth, the ligament as if clings to it, which creates a certain sound.
Spinal diseases
If the patient’s neck crunches very often when turning the head, then this may indicate the development of various problems with the spine. By the way, in such cases, a person is disturbed not only by a characteristic sound, but also severe pain in the neck, headaches, discomfort in the back or shoulder blade.
The most common diseases of the spine are as follows:
- Osteochondrosis. Such a disease is associated with pathological changes in the intervertebral discs. It is characterized by a violation of the metabolic process and abnormal proliferation of bone tissue.
With such a disease, a person not only hears a crunch in his neck, but also a head, shoulders, and hands that constantly hurt . A correctly selected pillow for cervical osteochondrosis can reduce discomfort, however, more drastic measures are required to effectively treat this disease.
- Lordosis or kyphosis. Such diseases are a curvature of the upper spine, which may be acquired or hereditary. At the same time, certain changes occur in the patient’s muscle and bone tissues, so when you turn the head, you can easily hear a specific sound.
The clinic of manual therapy, where physiotherapy is carried out, can help get rid of the symptoms of kyphosis and significantly alleviate the patient's condition.
- Osteoarthritis arthrosis. Such a disease is manifested by severe pain syndrome that does not allow a person to freely tilt and turn his head, as well as move his hands. With degeneration of the vertebrae, a crunch in the cervical region is very often heard, which is accompanied by intolerable pain.
An x-ray of the joints quite easily reveals the presence of such a pathological condition. Therefore, with the mentioned symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.
- Spondylolisthesis is a certain displacement of the vertebrae. With this disease, severe pain and discomfort in the neck and upper limbs, especially after physical exertion, are felt. Also, spondylolisthesis is characterized by a crunch in the cervical hotel of the spine.
- Impaired calcium metabolism in the body. With this condition, calcium salts can accumulate in the joints, ligaments or bones of the patient, which in the future will inevitably lead to strong loads on the vertebrae, as a result of which, with sharp turns of the head, an unpleasant crunch can be heard.
- Cervical spondylosis is a disease accompanied by proliferation and increase in the volume of joints and bone tissue. This pathological phenomenon contributes to a narrowing of the spaces between the vertebrae, as a result of which there is strong friction, and a crunch occurs when the head is turned.
Most often, cervical spondylosis is diagnosed in the elderly and is associated with age-related changes.
Associated symptoms
A crunch in the neck can be accompanied not only by pain, but also by other symptoms. Most often they include the following:
- dizziness, weakness, nausea;
- headaches, tinnitus and heart pain;
- discomfort during movement, pressure surges and pain in the neck;
- numbness of the face and pain in the area of the shoulder blades.
If such signs occur, you should immediately visit the hospital, since all of them indicate pathological changes in the body.
Which doctor should I go to? Diagnosis of the disease
The manual therapy clinic can help with various diseases of the spinal column. But before contacting such an institution, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis. Specialists such as a neurologist, vertebrologist, traumatologist or orthopedist can help you with this. It is these doctors who are able to identify the exact cause of crunching and discomfort in the neck.
So, how are pathological changes in the spinal column diagnosed? First of all, doctors advise to make an x-ray of the joints. In the picture you can see almost all the deviations.
Also, the patient must be referred for CT and MRI of the cervical spine, and, if necessary, ultrasound is performed.
Treatment methods
Now you know the main causes of crunching in the neck when bending or turning the head. If such a phenomenon is periodic and does not cause much discomfort, then there is nothing to worry about. If a crunch in the cervical region is accompanied by pain and other unpleasant symptoms, then we can talk about quite serious diseases.
Most often, the described crunch occurs with the development of osteochondrosis. Many people suffer from this disease. As mentioned above, a properly selected pillow for cervical osteochondrosis can reduce pain and minimize the occurrence of crunching. In general, this will not solve the problem.
With this disease, patients are often prescribed anti-inflammatory and painkillers. After eliminating the pain syndrome, the doctor may recommend physiotherapeutic methods of treatment (for example, gymnastics for the neck).
Cervical osteochondrosis is well treated through massage and certain physical exercises. Such methods strengthen muscles well and normalize blood circulation.
As for other diseases, the methods for their treatment are similar. People are prescribed NSAIDs, they are recommended to exercise, swim and eat right. According to doctors, only a healthy lifestyle will prevent the development of various diseases, including pathologies of the spinal column.
Preventative measures
The appearance of a crunch in the neck is quite easy to prevent if you regularly engage in its prevention. So what should you look at?
- Regular and measured physical activity. With the appearance of tension in the neck, you should immediately change the position of the body, as well as perform several exercises (tilting the head, turning to the sides, etc.)
- In your free time, you should definitely visit the pool, since swimming helps relieve pain and muscle relaxation.
- To prevent a crunch in the neck, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of fatty foods, as well as increase the number of protein foods.
- Physical therapy and regular massage will help to relax the muscles of the entire back.
Also, to prevent crunching in the neck, physical overwork and sudden movements should be avoided. In addition, it is not recommended to be in the same position for too long.