Every second inhabitant of the planet encounters diseases of the spinal column, especially after the age of 30. The cervical region is the most mobile, therefore it is more prone to pathology of the musculoskeletal system. For their treatment, it is first necessary to find out the exact causes of the symptoms and unpleasant sensations.
Why does the neck crackle?
This phenomenon is often found in completely healthy people. Doctors have not yet been able to find out, because of what crunches the neck in such cases. Presumptive reasons for this phenomenon are:
- increased mobility of intervertebral structures with a deficiency of body weight;
- dissociation of flexor and extensor muscles in athletes;
- insufficient volume of synovial fluid in the joint cavity.
Why does the neck crunch when you turn your head?
One explanation for this phenomenon is the accumulation of calcium salts in ligaments, bones, muscles and tendons. Their presence creates an increased load on certain segments of the spinal column and leads to the formation of a functional block. During its removal, you can hear a distinct crunch in your neck when you turn your head, tilt it forward or tilt back.
There are other, more dangerous factors that cause this pathology. The reasons for crunching the neck when turning the head:
- osteochondrosis ;
- spondylosis ;
- abnormal development of connective tissue;
- displacement of vertebrae forward (spondylolisthesis);
- violation of posture .
Why does the neck crack when the head is tilted sideways?
This condition is sometimes observed in healthy people after prolonged stay or sleep in an uncomfortable position. Such a crunch in the neck does not require treatment, it will disappear on its own. Provoke the clicking of the upper spine can also other external adverse factors - hypothermia, physical overload, mechanical trauma. The neck often crunches when the head tilts sideways against the background of the following diseases:
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- osteochondrosis;
- the presence of osteophytes on the vertebrae;
- spondylosis;
- violation of calcium metabolism.
The neck hurts and crunches
If this symptom is accompanied by discomfort, stiffness and unpleasant stitching sensations, this indicates a progression of the pathology of the musculoskeletal system. The pain and crunch in the neck can occur for the following reasons:
- subluxation of small articular structures of the spine;
- osteochondrosis;
- protrusion and hernia discs;
- degenerative changes in the intervertebral joints;
- uncoovertebral arthrosis.
Crunches neck and headache
The described clinical picture is typical for osteochondrosis. Due to pathological and inflammatory processes in the upper spine, infringement of blood vessels, nerve endings and rootlets occurs. This provokes a crunch in the neck, a pain in the head, a decrease in working capacity and a restriction of mobility. Without proper treatment, the condition progresses rapidly, turning into protrusion of discs and hernia.
Vegeto-vascular dystonia is another diagnosis explaining headaches and a crunch in the neck - the reasons for this situation can not be precisely established, because the disease is considered multifactorial. Deterioration of the functions of the musculoskeletal system can provoke disruption of metabolic processes, endocrine failure, micronutrient deficiency and other unfavorable conditions.
Crunch in the neck, tinnitus
If you hear a ringing, crackling or hissing, similar to radio interference, at the symptom in question, you should contact a vertebrologist or neurologist. Noise in the ears and the sound of a crunch of the neck are typical signs of osteochondrosis of the upper back. Damaged vertebrae squeeze the blood vessels, causing an increase in the pressure of the biological fluid, the flow of which is audible to a person. Other sounds may occur due to impairment of the activity of certain parts of the brain.
The neck always crunches
Many perfectly healthy people have a symptom presented. A constant crunch in the neck, which does not cause other inconveniences, is not a pathology. You should worry if other strange signs and discomforts are added to the clicks. Crunch and pain in the neck, stiffness of the movements, numbness of the upper back, tingling - good reasons to suspect the development of diseases of the spine, listed above. With such symptoms it is necessary to contact a specialist.
What to do if the neck crunches?
The tactics of treatment depend on the causes of the phenomenon described, therefore, it is necessary to undergo all the diagnostic procedures prescribed by the doctor. Based on the results of the research, the doctor will recommend how to get rid of the crunch in the neck:
- Correct the diet. It is important to consume a sufficient amount of liquid, limit salt in the menu, give preference to products with a high content of vitamins and minerals.
- Increase the amount of physical activity. The spinal column is supported by a muscular corset. Without regular exercises for its strengthening, diseases of the musculoskeletal system are inevitable. When crunching in the neck, it is recommended to swing the muscles of the back and the press.
- Equip places for professional activity and sleep. Many pathologies of the spine are worsened by an uncomfortable mattress, working chair and table.
- Constantly follow the posture. Any form of stoop violates the distribution of the load on the vertebral column, which provokes damage to its individual areas. To improve posture is useful therapeutic exercises, wearing special corsets, swimming.
In addition to these general measures, an individual course of therapy will be developed, which may include:
- analgesics;
- chondroprotectors;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- anesthetizing blockades;
- vitamins of group B;
- sedatives;
- muscle relaxants;
- anticonvulsant drugs;
- physiotherapy;
- Manual procedures;
- wearing a collar of Shantz;
- massage;
- shock-wave therapy.