Question
Dear Dr. Starbuck,

I am a 38-yr old woman who for the past 1.5 months has been experiencing "creaking" in my neck quite often when I turn my head.  It is spooking me out.  There is no pain.

In 2005, I underwent an ACDF at C6-C7 with bone graft, plating and screws.

Do you know what might be causing the creaking?  It doesn't feel normal.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Nicole

Answer
Without a proper exam, I can only guess at what is causing the creaking.  What I have learned is that when a joint becomes fused, whether naturally or surgically, the joints above and below it become more mobile.  This increased mobility causes the joint to lose disc height and protection, ultimately leading to the bones rubbing, and that is what the "creaking" probably is.  Like I said, without a proper exam; xrays, MRI's, physical exam; I can't give you a solid answer.  My recommendation is to look into chiropractic, find a doctor to talk to in person to discuss your concerns and your history, and they will explain to you what they think and what kind of treatments would be appropriate.  If you are interested, I am a member of a group of chiropractors that use a very gentle technique to adjust the spine and most every joint in the body.  Go to www.sorsi.com to locate a doctor near you.  I am in St. Paul, Minnesota and would be happy to see you.  If you have any other questions or concerns, please email me.

Dr. Starbuck