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Chiropractors/neck crepitus
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Question
I went to a chiropractor for mid back pain two months ago and she adjusted my neck. Since then I have this terrible neck crackling, gravel, popping noise everytime I turn my head. It is so loud. I only went to her once b/c I am scared. What should I do? Thank you
Dear Cindy,
The neck popping and grinding sound is a normal occurrence after a patients starts seeing a chiropractic physician. The crepitus you are hearing usually results from increase movement in the myofascial structures around the muscles, or the cartilage lining the joint spaces which are now moving more freely.
I often see this in my patients after they start treatment, and it seems to be a normal response. As they continue with their care program and have a few more spinal adjustments, the crepitus will reduce and often be eliminated in a few weeks. The reason you can hear this in your neck and not your upper or lower back is merely due to the proximity of the neck structures to the ear and auditory system. Along with being adjusted, you should also work with active stretching of the neck to improve the range of motion and myofascial flexibility, and your chiropractor should work with you on specific neck exercise according to your neck structure and diagnosis.
Concerning the crepitus, I believe this is due to the fact that as you get a few more adjustments, the joint spaces and myofascial system will improve its overall function, biomechanical movement patterns, and structural relationship. This phenomenon has not been the subject of any research that I am aware of though, and the origin of crepitus can be debated due to the complexity of the soft tissue in the spine. I have heard other doctors say that the minimal action of the tendons moving over the bone cause crepitus when ranges of motion are increased. I wish I could be more exact, however, crepitus is really nothing to be alarmed about.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
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