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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 190
First_Degree_AS_Kicker
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OP
First_Degree_AS_Kicker
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 190 |
Hi all,
I've been experiencing crepitus (grinding, popping or cracking sound) in my neck for years now. Even when my x-rays clearly indicated no fusion or bone spurs, my neck made sounds.
I seems to be located in the occipital region at the back of the head, not in the cervical spine per se. It happens when I turn my head or if I retract my head backwards (like when you're trying to form a double-chin).
Now I've read that crepitus is caused by bones rubbing together, by soft tissues rubbing on bones, by "dried up" ligaments and by air popping out of joints. So I'm not really sure what the real cause is...
I have no pain associated with the sounds and my neck doesn't feel stiffer than normal. Do you guys experience cracking sounds too? Should I be worried that this is inevitably fusion?
Any thoughts and comments will be appreciated!
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,178 Likes: 20
AS Czar
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AS Czar
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,178 Likes: 20 |
Hello, Wilhelm:
I believe that crepitus is caused by CO2 produced at each joint as a byproduct of the biochemical reactions caused by inflammation due to AS. It is a foreshadowing that AS activity is happening if only minor in these areas. A small reaction can produce a lot of the CO2, and a little CO2 can produce a lot of noise.
It can be annoying, certainly a warning sign, hope You can heed...
HEALTH,
John
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 190
First_Degree_AS_Kicker
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OP
First_Degree_AS_Kicker
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 190 |
Well I've had this for almost 7 years now without pain or worsening of symptoms.
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 32
Member
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Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 32 |
me too
I think the soft tissues and ligaments are abnormal caused by no perceptible inflammations.
Last edited by Wisdom; 12/08/16 12:06 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,014
Iron_AS_Kicker
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Iron_AS_Kicker
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,014 |
Wilhelm,
Have you ever had an MRI done on your cervical spine?
Cristina in California
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 8,397
Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
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Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 8,397 |
My neck has made noise for 50 years. Most of the time it hurts to move.
Exercise / diet /self control / and keep informed.
Seasons greeting!
I keep the New Covenant,
when I fail....I am pulled
back into place by HIM.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,848 Likes: 6
Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
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Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,848 Likes: 6 |
Agree with Lon : " Most of the time it hurts to move.
Exercise / diet /self control / and keep informed."
My neck is crepitous / painful / bone spurs - one spur keeps jamming into my oesophagus / fused in 3 places /
I hate my neck...<G>
MollyC1i - Riding OutAS
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 501
Veteran_AS_Kicker
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Veteran_AS_Kicker
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 501 |
Hi Everyone haven't been on for a long time.
Went through all the gringing, popping or cracking sound in my neck - not sure when it stopped. At my last Rheumies appointment in Nov. he asked me to turn my head to the left - thought I did geat - a normal turn to the left. I was informed that the severe decrease was the result of my AS progression. Actually likely the reason I gave up driving - because I couldn't check my blind spot - felt I was becoming a unsafe driver. My right side has decreased but not as severe as the left. Off to diet section and major change there.
KickAS member since 04/22/06
Psoriasis(72), AS(2006), PsA with Spondylitis(2011),Vitiligo (69), sleep apnea (2004), Bronchial Asthma, many allergies, anaphylaxis allergy to sulfites, diabetic, Vitamin D deficient - Celiac/fructose intolerance/malabsorption - many co-morbidities
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,248 Likes: 5
Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
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Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,248 Likes: 5 |
A PT gave me some exercises wherein I would use my hands to provide resistance to keep mobility
Also used a portable traction device
Worked for a while but life got in the way and I became less diligent
Best thing I did for years was swim
Hope you find good answers
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 8,397
Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
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Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 8,397 |
You may want to use a snorkel for swimming
That keeps our neck more in alignment.
I will only get worse if I stop exercising!
agape'
Lon
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