Brief Answer:
Empiric therapy and workup if no response

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

The cracking experience or sensations is related to the muscle spasm. An x ray lateral view of the cervical spine can be done, initially to look for any compression changes, markedly decreased bone density, spondylosis and other abnormalities. NSAIDs, muscle relaxants and physiotherapy should be the empirical treatment initially , without going for invasive and expensive investigations. Most likely the pain will resolve.


If the pain becomes persistent or worsens despite the medication then an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the neck can be considered to look for any abnormalities more clearly especially if the cervical spine x ray showed evidence of some destructive ,compressive lesion. Nerve compression at the neck region is also a possibility. Nerve conduction studies can also be advised as part of the workup to determine the cord level involved. You should consult a neurologist in this regard.

Let me know if you have any query


Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

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