I have a very annoying condition where my neck continually cracks during movement. There is no pain when this happens. I have been diagnosed with arthritis. Anything I can do to alleviate the cracking? The doctor said I have to live with it but it drives me crazy. I would think doing nothing will only make it worse over time. Exercise, neck braces, anything?? Please help.
Hi donpen52
Have you had an MRI done? I would highly suggest that. My doctor thougth it was JUST arthritis and after an MRI it showed I had disc compression, stenosis, bulging etc... so now I have to go see a Neuro surgeon. Greanted I have pain in my neck and you don't, but just to be sure. I know what you mean about the cracking when you turn your neck, that was a big concern, and that is arthritis, but be sure that is ALL it is.
I would go see an orthapedist or a neurologist, or even have your pcp send you for an MRI of cervical spine. If it is just arthritis you could go for physical therapy to strengthen your neck. I agree that just being idle about it will make it worse.
Good Luck
Alex
The cracking noise is called CREPITUS.
I thought I only had arthritis until I got an MRI and I also had 2 degenerated disks and bone spurs and bulging disks. The pain Dr. kept treating me with injections in my facet joints (arthritis) and it only helped a little. That is because I also had disk issues. Many times the disks degenerate, which THEN causes the arthritis. I ended up having disk fusion in Jan. and do feel alot better.
Pleas ask your Dr. to order a MRI to rule out stenosis. I had the same problem. Later, I noticed that I had some numbness in my left hand and some weakness in my legs. I started with an exercise program. I knew something else was wrong. I am to have two surgeries. 1 to relieve the pressure on my spine and another to stablize my cervical disks. You can't be too careful!!
I'm wondering now if I should get a second opinion. The doctor who originally diagnosed the arthritis is a orthopedist and didn't look any farther than the x-ray. He did see OA degeneration and bone spurs on my neck and said to come back if pain or numbness develops. I was to hoping something preventative can be done "before" that happens but I guess he's not too much help. I also have started taking Glucosamine/Chondroitin on my own.
I went thru the exact same thing as you. I initially saw an orthopedist who took and X-ray. He told me I had some bone spurs and arthritis. He didnt seem too concerned. This was 5 yrs. ago. After this guy, I saw a million other Drs. (physiatrists, chiropractors, pain Drs., rheumatologists...).When my pain got worse, the physiatrist had me get an MRI. That is when they saw the bulging disks and the disk degeneration. I had another one a year later and it said a few other things. I notice that radiologists read the MRIs all differently. After going thru endless procedures for all this arthritis stuff (injections GALORE), and 1 steroid epidural for the disks, it was finally decided I should go see a surgeon. I ended up having the surgery on Jan. 10th. (ACDF C5-C7). It took me 5 yrs. to get to that place. I do feel better and the surgery wasnt as bad as I expected. I didnt wear a collar and that was very good for me. I now wish I didnt wait 5 hellacious years to have it. C'est la vie.
Neck Arthritis - need info 
