Do you hear a clicking noise when you move your neck? If so, you’re not alone! Many people experience this phenomenon, which is known as cervical spine clicking. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about and doesn’t require treatment. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious problem. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and treatments for cervical spine clicking.
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What Does Neck Clicking Mean?
It’s not uncommon to experience clicking in your neck. This can occur when you move your head in certain ways or when pressure is applied to the joints in your neck. The clicking sound is usually caused by the tendons and ligaments around the joint snapping over the bone.
Neck clicking is described as a sharp, brief popping sound that’s usually painless. However, in some cases, neck clicking can be accompanied by pain, stiffness, or headaches. It is often believed that neck clicking is due to a problem with the joints, but this is not always the case.
Neck clicking is most often harmless and does not require treatment. However, if you experience neck clicking that is accompanied by pain or other symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
How Does It Look Like?
It is not easy to identify the clicking noise in your neck on your own. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. However, here are some things you can look out for:
- Clicking noise is usually accompanied by a sensation of grinding or grating.
- Noise may be loud enough to be heard by others.
- Noise may occur when you move your head in certain positions, or it may happen randomly.
- May feel pain or discomfort in your neck and shoulders.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Joint pain.
This is a very common condition that can affect people of all ages. The clicking noise is caused by the movement of the bones in the neck. When you move your head, the bones rub against each other and make a clicking sound. This is perfectly normal and is nothing to worry about.
But some symptoms can be a cause for concern. So do not ignore them if you experience any of them. There are a number of possible causes for the clicking noise in your neck. It is believed that it could be caused by many factors, so you should be careful and seek out treatment.
What Causes Neck Clicking At Base Of Skull?
There are a number of things that could be causing your neck to click when you move it. Some of the common causes include:
- Dislocated joint: A dislocated joint is when the ends of your bones are no longer aligned properly. This can happen from a sudden injury or from wear and tear over time. When a joint is dislocated, it may click or snap when you move it.
- Arthritis: This is a common cause of neck clicking. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints. This can lead to the formation of bone spurs, which can rub against each other and make a clicking noise.
- Tendinitis: This is an inflammation of the tendons, which are the tissues that connect your muscles to your bones. This can be caused by overuse or repetitive motions. It can also be caused by an injury.
- Myofascial trigger points: These are knots that form in your muscles. They can cause pain and tenderness. They can also cause your muscles to spasm, which can lead to a clicking noise.
These are generally benign conditions that are not indicative of a serious problem. However, if you experience neck clicking along with other symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness, it may be a sign of something more serious. In this case, you should see a doctor get a proper diagnosis.
In addition, it is important to see a doctor if you experience any sudden or severe neck pain. Because there could be other reasons for your neck pain, such as a herniated disc or a pinched nerve. These conditions can be serious and require treatment.
How Is It Diagnosed?
It is not easy to diagnose a neck click at base of skull without a physical examination by a trained medical professional. Your healthcare provider will take a thorough medical history and ask you specific questions about your symptoms. He or she will also perform a physical examination, which may include feeling for clicking in the neck and testing your range of motion.
X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs may also be ordered to rule out other possible causes of your neck clicking, such as arthritis or a herniated disc. This is especially important if you are experiencing other symptoms, such as pain or numbness.
Therefore, an accurate diagnosis can usually only be made after a complete evaluation. Because with proper evaluation, you can be sure that you are receiving the best possible treatment for your condition.
How Can You Treat It?
There are a number of things you can do to treat a neck clicking at base of skull. A few common methods are:
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Neck stretching and strengthening exercises can help to alleviate the pain and clicking associated with a neck clicking at base of skull. There are various types of exercises that can be done, and it is important to consult with a doctor or physical therapist to find the ones that are best suited for you. For example, some exercises may focus on strengthening the muscles that support the neck, while others may focus on stretching the muscles and ligaments in the neck.
Chiropractic Adjustments
A chiropractor can perform spinal manipulations to help relieve the pressure on the joints and muscles in your neck. This is described as a “neck click.” Some people find this treatment to be effective in reducing neck pain and stiffness. For example, a 2012 study found that chiropractic adjustments were effective in treating neck pain. If you are considering this treatment, be sure to see a licensed and certified chiropractor.
Massage Therapy
This is one of the most common treatments for neck clicking. Massage therapy can help to alleviate pain and tension in the muscles and tissues of the neck. It can also help to improve the range of motion and flexibility. For example, you might want to try:
- A neck massage with a tennis ball. Sit in a chair and place a tennis ball under the muscles at the base of your skull. Gently roll the ball around for a minute or two.
- A neck massage with your fingers. Use your fingers to massage the muscles at the base of your skull. Apply pressure with your fingers and then release. Repeat this process for a minute or two.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting needles into specific points of the body. This can help to release muscle tension and improve blood flow. One study found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life for people with neck pain.
The method works by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. If you’re interested in trying acupuncture, make sure to consult with a licensed practitioner.
Heat or ice therapy
It is not uncommon for people to experience neck clicking, especially at the base of the skull. While this can be caused by a number of things, managing this condition is important to avoid any further complications. You can try using heat or ice therapy to help ease the pain and stiffness associated with neck clicking. Heat can be applied using a heating pad, while ice can be used by wrapping ice cubes in a towel and applying it to the affected area.
Consider medication
This may be the first thing your doctor suggests. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help to reduce inflammation and pain. If over-the-counter medications don’t provide relief, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication. When you take any kind of medication, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
All in all, these are some possible treatments that you can explore if you’re dealing with a clicking neck. As always, it’s best to consult with a medical professional to get their opinion on what may work for you. With the help of a professional, you can find the relief you need and get back to enjoying your life pain-free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, neck clicking at base of skull can be caused by a number of things. However, the most common cause is simply due to tight muscles and joints in the neck. This can be easily remedied by stretching and massaging the neck muscles. If the clicking is accompanied by pain, then it is recommended to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
