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What Causes Popping Sounds From The Back Of Head When I Bend My Head?

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Posted on Thu, 23 Jun 2016
Question: Hi. This happened a couple of times before but in the last two days, it's been happening every time I bend my head back after a while. I will hear this huge pop in the back of my head like it's between my skull and my spine. It's scary because it's so loud in my ear. I've been exercising for about 3 years and after a while, I started popping a lot more. My neck will pop on the sides and my back will pop once when I try to pop it (unless someone pops it for me) but it's just recent that it started that loud pop in the back of my head. Is this dangerous? It's kind of scaring me and I want to make sure it's not causing any damage. Do I need an MRI? I don't have high blood pressure, actually it's pretty low at 94/72 last time it was checked. Thanks.
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Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
If there is no pain then harmless. But doing it excessively is not good.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM

I have gone through your query. The sound or pop you get is from bubbles forming in synovial fluids of joints of spine. This is usually a normal thing. But if there is discomfort or pain associated with this then it should be investigated as it can be due to arthritis or bony spur formation. Some kind of exercises involving neck can cause injury to joints and increase the sound also.

So it is better to have a X ray on two projections of cervical spine and consultation with orthopaedician is well appreciated. MRI will be required if there is any inconsistency.

Avoid neck popping. Do resistance exercises on each side of neck by placing hand on each side of neck with out making popping. This will help you to get muscle strength and support to joint.
If you getting any dizziness by this BP 94/72 then take soups with salt to stabilize it. If you feel alright ( no dizziness or instability or feeling of low) with this BP then nothing to worry.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Nishad BN

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 5482 Questions

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What Causes Popping Sounds From The Back Of Head When I Bend My Head?

Brief Answer: If there is no pain then harmless. But doing it excessively is not good. Detailed Answer: Hi Thank you for asking HCM I have gone through your query. The sound or pop you get is from bubbles forming in synovial fluids of joints of spine. This is usually a normal thing. But if there is discomfort or pain associated with this then it should be investigated as it can be due to arthritis or bony spur formation. Some kind of exercises involving neck can cause injury to joints and increase the sound also. So it is better to have a X ray on two projections of cervical spine and consultation with orthopaedician is well appreciated. MRI will be required if there is any inconsistency. Avoid neck popping. Do resistance exercises on each side of neck by placing hand on each side of neck with out making popping. This will help you to get muscle strength and support to joint. If you getting any dizziness by this BP 94/72 then take soups with salt to stabilize it. If you feel alright ( no dizziness or instability or feeling of low) with this BP then nothing to worry. Let me know if anything not clear. I am happy to help you. Thanks.