Mar 9, 2025 · Neck crepitus refers to clicking, cracking, popping, and crunching sounds in your neck when moving your head. Popping at the base of your skull can be surprising, even alarming, but common issues like tightness, stiffness, and poor posture often cause it.

Neck crepitus, also known as cervical crepitus or neck cracking, is a phenomenon characterized by the audible or palpable clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving the neck. While it can be unsettling and worrisome, it is relatively common and often benign.

In general, a doctor should be consulted if neck cracking, also called neck crepitus, accompanies any of the following: Pain or swelling. Neck crepitus with pain or swelling could indicate cervical osteoarthritis or some other type of inflammatory process in the joints of the neck.

Neck crepitus is thought to occur when structures in the spine rub together and make sounds. Some likely causes of neck crepitus include: Joint cracking sounds may arise from the formation or collapse of air bubbles within the synovial fluid.

Oct 20, 2021 · Neck crepitus has to do with the bones, ligaments, tendons and nerves that make up your neck. Learn when to be concerned about cracking sounds from your neck.

Nov 7, 2024 · Neck crepitus refers to the audible sounds that occur in the neck during movement, typically described as clicking, popping, grinding, or crackling. These noises are often felt or heard when turning the head, bending the neck, or performing other neck movements.

Some of the more common causes of neck cracking and grinding sounds, also called neck crepitus, include: Pressure changes within the cervical facet joints; Ligament or tendon movements around bone or near their bony attachments; Adjacent bones grinding together; These causes of neck crepitus are explored in more detail below.

Neck crepitus is a condition involving the sound that the tissue in the neck and spinal column makes upon movement. Most people experience this at some point in their lives. When the sounds of neck movement show up without any other symptoms, this is usually nothing to be concerned about.

2 days ago · Crepitus is most commonly associated with joints such as the neck, back, knees, shoulders, and ankles, but it can also occur in the lungs as a result of an upper respiratory infection. Conventional therapy focuses on pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to address the underlying cause of the crepitus.

3 days ago · Learn about neck crepitus and the causes of neck popping sounds. Discover why they are harmless and explore PT exercises for a strong and healthy neck. If you've ever turned your head and heard a snap, crackle, or pop sound coming from your neck, you've experienced what’s known as neck crepitus.