Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 9/16/2006

Question
About two days ago I noticed a clicking/popping noise in the back of my head, in the center between my ear and center of the back of my head. I can not exactly pinpoint where this feeling is coming from, whether its the top of my neck or my skull itself. It only occurs when I turn my head to the right, and with my  neck upright. If I let my head hang down alittle bit it does not pop. The evening this began I noticed tension in my neck and down the muscle in between my shoulders. I suspect it is causing mild occaisional headaches and I have been more fatigued since this began. I can't think of anything that could have caused this. Although, it did begin soon after laying in a bath. It's getting rather annoying too.  I am considering seeing a chiropractor, would this be  beneficial or should I seek my family physician first? Is there anything that I can do to get the popping to settle down/or stop at home?

Answer
Dear Ashley,

Seeing a chiropractic physician for what you are experiencing would be a great choice.  Your family physician is not likely to examine your neck or address the problem, but rather give you some pain pills and muscle relaxers.  

On the other hand, a chiropractor is a musculoskeletal specialist with advanced training in soft tissue dysfunction and injury.  The doctor you choose should give you a thorough examination to include ranges of motion, orthopedic and neurological tests, examination of posture and muscle function to determine what exact tissues may be the source of the problem.  If you have not had any x-rays of the neck in the past year, it would also be advisable to take a 2-3 view neck series to look specifically at the spinal structure as well.

From what you have described, it sounds as though you have cranio-vertebral dysfunction which is a fancy word for the joint between the neck and the skull.  The irritation is most likely due to altered joint function and poor biomechanics of movement and posture.  These types of conditions respond favorable with chiropractic care.

In the mean time, gentle stretching of the upper back and neck in all ranges of motion will help to alleviate the muscular component...soreness, spasms, etc...  These muscular problems are likely to recurr in a day or two without assessment of the main cause though.  Ice packs can be used to alleviate pain as well in the back of the neck.  Use for no longer than 20-25 minutes at a time and do not place the ice directly on the skin, wrap it in a light cloth or towel.

Good luck Ashley.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman