A ‘clicking neck’ is a clearly audible sound caused by either turning (rotation) or tilting (lateral flexion) the head. In most cases, the clicking sound is caused by tight muscles of the neck causing the vertebrae to rub against each other during certain movements of the neck and head. While there may be no other symptoms present apart from a clicking neck, with time, the persistent muscle spasm will lead to headaches, neck or upper back pain. In most cases of a clicking neck, cracking the joints (medical term ~ articular release) usually resolves the clicking noise and eases tightness of the joint.
What causes a cracking neck sound?
Causes of a Clicking Neck
Most cases of a clicking neck are harmless but indicate a progressing condition, if the clicking noise can be repeated with every tilt or twist. Usually the strain on the vertebrae is caused by spasm (knots or cramps) of the trapezius muscle of the back or the sternocleidomastoid muscle of the neck. This may be one sided, which is more common, or occurs on both sides of the back. The spasm causes the muscle to ‘shorten’ and pull on the vertebral column and by attempting to move your head, in the opposite direction to the pull of the spasm, a clicking sound may be heard.
- Cavitation is a common term used by chiropractors and the cracking sound you may hear when having a chiropractic adjustment. It is a result of a a force causing a temporary vacuum within the joint, which then collapses and causes a clicking noise. Gas bubbles within any joint fluid can also cause this snapping noise.
- Herniated vertebral disc (bulging disc) may causes two neighboring vertebrae to lie closely to each other and rub against each other upon quick movement. The articulating vertebral facets (point at which two vertebrae rub together) may also cause a clicking noise in certain conditions where the joint is not adequately ‘lubricated’.
- Rapid stretching of ligaments may cause a snapping noise, especially when there is sufficient force in the opposite direction, possibly from severe muscle spasm.
- Adhesions in the joints may also cause a clicking noise during twisting and turning the head.
- Clicking Neck : Picture of Neck & Back Muscles & Vertebral Column
What causes tight neck muscles?
Common Causes of Neck Muscle Spasm
The most common cause of a clicking sound is neck muscle spasm, usually of the trapezius muscle of the back or sternocleidomastoid muscle of the neck. This spasm may be caused by :
- Poor posture. Hunching when walking or sitting and stooping over a desk for long periods of time. Sleeping ‘badly’, either on too many pillows or on an uneven surface.
- Whiplash. The neck muscles go into spasm after trauma, like a car accident, and this ‘pulls’ on the vertebral column (cervical vertebrae), often straightening the normal curvature (lordosis) of the cervical vertebrae.
- Muscle strain and overexertion. This may result due to working out or exercising without proper muscle stretching prior to the workout. A build up of lactic acid may also be present within the muscle due to overexertion and reduced oxygen intake by vigorous exercise or overuse of the muscle.
- Stress. The neck and shoulder muscles ‘cramp’ during periods of stress due to the natural mechanism of propping up the shoulders and if the stress is prolonged, these muscles will go into spasm.
- Dehydration. Loss of water and electrolytes causes muscle cramping and the spam may persist.
What other symptoms may accompany a clicking neck?
Concomitant Signs and Symptoms of a Clicking Neck
- Reduced range of motion. The neck and head may lose its normal flexibility, especially when trying to touch the ear to the shoulder (lateral flexion) or when trying to peer behind the shoulder (rotation)
- Headaches. Pain at the back of the head or neck radiating to the temples or forehead.
- Muscle ache and tenderness when touching or pressing on the neck muscles.
- Arm numbness or tingling as a result of a ‘pinched nerves’ or cervical spondylosis which may develop due to prolonged neck muscle spasm or age respectively.
How is clicking neck sound treated?
Treatment of a Clicking Neck
Since most cases of a clicking neck sound is due to muscle spasm, physical therapy may be necessary to ease the muscle spasm and stretch the muscle. Chiropractic adjustment may also be helpful. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help ease muscle inflammation and pain that may occur as a result of prolonged muscle spasm and a muscle relaxant can help ease the spasm itself. A massage and hot applications may also help with easing the muscle spasm and releasing the neck muscle trigger points.
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