Question
David,

I was thrown off a mule (in Yosemite)in August '04, landing on my chest and breaking two ribs and having a displaced sternum (no neck problems/issues). Over the next 3 months my injuries healed and then I returned to my normal active lifestyle. A few weeks later (approx. 3 months ago), seemingly for no apparent reason, I started experiencing popping/crackling sounds in my neck. It's been constant- every time i turn my head left & right, as well as up and down. Also, my neck feels sore/stiff all the time. No intense sharp pain, and no tingling or strength/ balance problems with my arms or legs.

Could you tell me..
(a)what causes the clicking/ popping sounds?
(b)any ideas about treating/ remedies for this type of injury?

Any of your expert input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanking you in advance...
Jay  

Answer
Jay:

Thanks for Writing!

The clicking/popping sound is caused by a distortion of the dura mater. The dura mater (tough mother, translated from the Latin) is a very tough hose like structure that runs from the top of the head to the tailbone. It is a covering over the brain and spinal cord.

Since it is one piece all the way from top to bottom, an injury or displacment between the shoulders can throw a pull into the neck and vice versa.

The solution is to see a good chiropractor and get the bones around the dura mater moved back or reset between the shoulders. I experienced this just day before yesterday. I was getting an adjustment at my chiropractor. He found an unset bone in the neck. But, try as he might, he could not correct it by working on the neck. So he adjusted between the shoulders and the neck cleared up.

If you need a referral to a good chiropractor in your area, let me know.

Dr. Rozeboom