Question
Hi, I'm writing on behalf of my partner, he has a weird crunching when he turns his head and a pain in his neck  just below and behind the ear/jaw. He has a very strong neck, and does neck bridge exercises without a problem, but recently he tried the exercises with extra weight, could this have caused the problem? is it likely to be a serious injury? i should note that about 5 years ago he did something to cause some crunching in his neck and he's had that ever since - but these are new crunches and pain. thankyou in advance for you help.

Answer
Hi, R.

The crunching and pain, as well as the "strong" neck, indicate muscular contractions in the region.

Neck muscles should be relaxed, other than the tension needed to hold the head of or effect movement.  Excess, cultivated by exercise regimens and by injuries, create problems.  It brings vertebrae too close together, so that grinding occurs.  The contracted muscles are typically fatigued and sore, originating the pain.

May I suggest you read my write-up on neck injuries at

http://www.somatics.com/whiplash.htm

That will explain more and give resources for recovery.