Question
My problem is related to after horse playing I was landed on my neck from the side by another person and my neck popped 3 times in a row and it was so painful that I thought I was dying. But now I am sore to turn to the right side and also have some numbness of the back left side of my head?

Answer
Dear Shonda,

You need to have this checked out soon.  Go get a physical exam from a local chiropractor to include x-rays of the neck.  You most likely have not sustained a serious injury, but with the neurological symptoms you have described (numbness) it needs to be explored.  The nerve roots that exit the spine can be compressed/irritated and inflamed which is the likely case of the numbness.  If headaches are also involved, it is likely that the occipital nerve is inflamed and the upper cervical vertebra have been fixated which will not allow proper movement.

The cracking you heard comes from a rapid release of gas from the joint space and is called a cavitation of the joint.  This is not a problems to worry about, but you could have also strained the joint capsules in the process which may lead to lingering pain and possible hypermobility of the spinal joints which should be rehabbed. This can be assessed with special radiographic views called flexion/distraction views to look for ligament laxity.  There is also a chance of vertebral joint dislocation, but it is not highly probable.

The residual soreness you have described with movement is most likely due to muscular strain and should actually improve within a few days to only be a dull ache or so.  If that is the case then active stretching will likely further reduce your pain, but the only way to know for sure is with a proper examination of the neck.

Ask family and friends for a referral or check in the phone book for a good chiropractic physician and schedule to have it looked at so that you can get a proper diagnostic opinion and a reasonable treatment course if needed.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net