Question
I have a couple of seperate issues. I have a tightness in my neck and shoulders all day long. It can also frequently give me a headache. I work at a desk with a computer and can do frequent heavy lifting. As a result I crack my neck a lot. I was wondering if it would be helpful to see a chiropractor or if there was something else I should do.

A separate issue that I have been having is my hip is popping every day. Sometimes multiple times a day. Sometimes it feels like it is out of place and causes me to limp. I'm just not sure if I should see me PCP or go to a chiropractor. I'm 22 years old and a heavy set male. I'm sure that has something to do with it as well.

Any help would be great. Thanks

Answer
Zac,

Yes you should see a Chiropractor for both of your health concerns. The first thing you should do is absolutely stop cracking your neck. This is a bad habit and can cause the symptoms in your neck and the headaches you are experiencing. You are actually making your neck become hypermobile (too much movement)

Here is how you stop (unless you can just stop cold turkey...which most people can't)Pick two days during the week and count how many times you crack your neck in a day..the entire day. Next try to cut that number in half for the first week and gradually week by week cut that number down by as much as possible.

You should seek the care of a chiropractor and tell them your problem and make sure you tell them how much you crack you neck.The chiropractic adustments will be more specific than cracking your own neck and with some range of motion exercises and strengthening exercises will help your condition.

Hope this helps.
Dr John Quackenbush
www.drqdc.com