Hello Doctors

I appreciate that you are really busy what with being actual doctors as well as running this forum but if you can offer any advice on the below it would be hugely appreciated.

I am a 34 year old guy and over the past few weeks a loud crunching sound has developed in the left hand side of my neck, seemingly right at the top, at the base of my skull. It is hard to describe the sound exactly but crunching is the closest I can think of.

It crunches when I turn my head side to side, and sounds very loud to me as it resonates through my head. It is loud enough for other people to hear also.

There is no pain at all but it is just very annoying as it is so loud and obviously not very normal. I have had no previous neck injuries and don't recall hurting it recently.

I'm going to see my GP about it at some point but their appointments are like gold dust and I am generally really busy. If you can offer any advice / opinion, that would be fantastic.

Thanks in advance. James

[Dr Jose]

Hello, James!
What you describe sounds like something relating to your cervical spine, specifically to the joints between the vertebrae. It might be slight dysfunction of one of the little joints between the vertebrae, especially the cartilage making the loud nosie on one side, possibly caused by an akward position in bed, bad posture in front of the computer, etc. You probably should go and see an osteopath for an assessment and some treatment. They are usually very good at this kind of problems.
Best wishes,
Jose

Thanks very much for the reply.

James