Differential Diagnosis for Neck Cracking
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Cervical spondylosis: This is a common condition characterized by wear and tear on the cervical spine, leading to neck cracking or popping sounds when turning the head. It is often associated with aging and can cause no other symptoms or be accompanied by neck pain and stiffness.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Cervical facet joint dysfunction: The cervical facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between and behind the vertebrae. Dysfunction in these joints can cause cracking or popping sounds when the head is turned, often accompanied by pain or stiffness.
- Cervical muscle spasm: Tight or spasming muscles in the neck can cause cracking or popping sounds when the head is turned, often accompanied by pain or stiffness.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: Although the TMJ is located in the jaw, dysfunction in this joint can radiate to the neck and cause cracking or popping sounds when the head is turned.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Cervical artery dissection: This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition where the lining of one of the arteries in the neck tears, leading to a stroke or other complications. Neck cracking or popping sounds can be a symptom, especially if accompanied by severe headache, facial pain, or neurological symptoms.
- Cervical spine fracture: A fracture in one of the cervical vertebrae can cause neck cracking or popping sounds, especially if accompanied by severe pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
- Rare diagnoses
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune disorder can cause inflammation and joint damage in the cervical spine, leading to neck cracking or popping sounds.
- Osteogenesis imperfecta: This rare genetic disorder can cause brittle bones and increased risk of fractures, including in the cervical spine, leading to neck cracking or popping sounds.
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: This group of genetic disorders can cause hypermobile joints and increased risk of joint instability, including in the cervical spine, leading to neck cracking or popping sounds.