Do you feel a crunching sound in neck when you move your head? Well, you don't have to worry as much because this crepitus on neck or crunching sound in neck is very common and mostly harmless. This click in the neck mostly happens because of gas bubbles or tendon movement over bone. However, if you are wondering how to get rid of crunching sound in neck, a physiotherapist can help you out. Moreover, now you can treat this kind of sound at home with MedGo2U's verified UK physio. In this blog, we will discuss what causes crunching noise in neck and how you can get rid of it at home.
By: MedGo2U Editorial Team
Medical Review Details
Medically Reviewed by: Ken Hong
Reviewed on: Dec 18, 2025
Date Published: Dec 18, 2025
Date Modified: Dec 18, 2025
What Causes Crunching Noise in Neck?
You may feel the cracking, popping, and other sounds in your neck in addition to hearing them. If you are thinking Why does my neck crunch when I roll my head, the answer is that several disorders can cause neck crepitus, including:
Joint Movement
Stiff joints or movement of the joint's structures are common causes of crepitus on neck. For instance, as you move your neck, tendons and ligaments alter their position and tension. When they return to their initial posture, they may make popping or snapping noises.
Arthritis
Age-related deterioration causes cervical spondylosis, often known as neck arthritis. Discs may lose strength and moisture as a result, collapsing and ceasing to support the vertebrae. (Mayo Clinic)
Additionally, cervical spondylosis results in typical osteoarthritis, which is the deterioration of cartilage in the joint. Crepitus on neck is caused by the deterioration of cartilage as you age, which makes it possible for bone to grind against bone.
Additionally, you may have joint irritation due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the facet joints of your neck. If therapy is delayed, this inflammation may harm cartilage and tissues, resulting in crunching or grinding sensations in the neck. That is why you must know how to get rid of crunching sound in neck.
Air Bubbles
Cavitation, or the formation of air bubbles in joint fluids or empty spaces within the joints, is frequently the cause of cracking and popping sounds.
Different parts of the joint will momentarily separate when you force it to move in a particular direction, creating spaces where bubbles may form. Then, the bubbles produce a popping sound as you move your neck.
Previously, scientists believed that the noises were caused by the bubbles exploding. However, a new study indicates that they can happen because of the bubbles developing. Knuckle cracking, neck bending, and twisting are examples of these noises. When a joint is popped, it normally doesn't pop again until pressure increases, which usually happens after 20 minutes. (Vox, 2015)
Injuries
Inflammation, tight muscles, tendons, and tissue damage can result from auto accidents, whiplash, and other neck injuries. Neck crepitus may result from these alterations.
Bad Posture
The muscles and ligaments that support your neck are strained by bad posture. Neck tissues are stressed by slouching or hunching over for extended periods of time (such as "tech neck" from staring at electronics), which results in stiffness, discomfort, restricted mobility, and crepitus.
How to Get Rid of Crunching Sound in Neck at Home?
Now that you know about what causes crunching noise in neck, let's discuss how to get rid of crunching sound in neck at home with a verified UK Physiotherapist.
Assessment and Diagnosis
In order to determine the root cause of your problems, a physiotherapist at MedGo2U can do a comprehensive evaluation that considers your range of motion, posture, muscular strength, and any prior injuries. This aids in identifying if the neck noises are typical or indicative of a medical issue.
Adjusting Posture
Physiotherapy exercises can help you develop better posture habits to lessen neck discomfort if bad posture is a contributing issue. By releasing needless strain on the neck's joints and muscles, proper posture can lessen pain and stiffness.
Stretching and Strengthening Activities at Home
Cervical spine tension may become worsen by weak neck and upper back muscles. By reducing joint tension and minimizing crunching noises, targeted workouts can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the neck.
Manual Therapy
To relieve tense muscles, enhance joint alignment, and lessen stiffness, physiotherapists employ manual treatments. Techniques like traction, soft tissue massage, and joint mobilization can reduce discomfort and enhance neck mobility.
Education on Proper Movement Patterns
You may avoid neck-straining motions by learning safe methods to move and perform everyday tasks from a physiotherapist. This can lessen the possibility of making pre-existing neck problems worse.
Methods for Pain Management
Physiotherapists can provide a range of non-invasive pain treatment techniques, such as heat, ice, and other modalities, if neck crunching is causing discomfort. With a physio at MedGo2U, you can easily get rid of your crepitus on neck at home. In that way you will know how to get rid of crunching sound in neck.
Also Read: Best Physiotherapy Exercises for Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief
Why Choose a Registered Physiotherapist?
Choosing a healthcare professional registered with a statutory body (such as the HCPC in the UK) ensures they have the appropriate training, qualifications, and commitment to professional standards. A skilled physiotherapist, in contrast to non-professional practitioners, possesses the clinical ability to effectively detect neck crepitus and differentiate between indicators of main musculoskeletal or neurological problems and benign joint sounds. They treat click in the neck safely, effectively, and with long-term outcomes in mind by using evidence-based approaches, strict cleanliness practices, and sophisticated clinical reasoning.
Conclusion
Seeking medical help is crucial if your neck crunching is severe, frequent, or accompanied by unsettling symptoms like nerve pain, weakness, or chronic headaches. The following symptoms may point to a more serious ailment, such as a cervical spine problem or nerve compression, even though neck crunching is usually benign.
When neck crunching is not accompanied by pain or other symptoms, it is a common phenomenon that is frequently innocuous. Gas bubbles, minor misalignments, or natural joint movement are the most common causes. However, speaking with a physiotherapist at MedGo2U might offer insightful advice and assistance if you're dealing with pain, restricted movement, or other troubling symptoms. In this blog, we've discussed how to get rid of the crunching sound in neck at home with simple methods.
If you're looking for a physiotherapist in London, book an appointment with Parth V., a verified HCPC-registered physiotherapist offering home and video consultations across the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Neck Crunching Go Away?
Simple remedies like stretching, adjusting posture, and controlling screen time frequently eliminate neck crunching (crepitus), especially if there is no pain.
How To Treat Cervical Pain in Pregnancy?
Stretching and neck exercises on a daily basis might also help reduce pressure and relieve pregnancy pain. Your doctor could advise using ice packs to treat neck discomfort if it doesn't go away with support, exercise, and stretches.
How Do You Stretch Your Neck to Get Rid of Crepitus?
Stretching and neck exercises on a daily basis might help reduce pressure and relieve neck crepitus. Gentle neck rotations, chin tucks, and side-to-side stretches can improve mobility and reduce crunching sounds. Your physiotherapist could advise using ice packs or heat therapy to treat neck discomfort if it doesn't go away with support, exercise, and stretches.
What Are the First Signs of Arthritis in The Neck?
In addition to possible cracking or grinding sounds, the initial symptoms of cervical spondylosis, or neck arthritis, frequently include stiffness, soreness, and decreased neck movement, particularly in the morning or after rest.
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References
- Mayo Clinic. Cervical spondylosis - Symptoms & causes
- Vox. (2015). What's actually happening when you crack your knuckles?
About the Reviewer
Ken Hong is a Band 6 Physiotherapist working within the Manchester NHS across both ward and community settings. He holds a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science and an MSc in Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) from the University of Birmingham. Ken has strong clinical experience in assessing, diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal and post-operative conditions. His background in exercise science enhances his ability to design effective, evidence-based rehabilitation programmes that improve mobility, strength and overall recovery.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Last medically reviewed on: Dec 18, 2025
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