Why does my neck click or crack?
Clicking, cracking or grating when you move your neck is common. The medical term often used for this is crepitus. 1
The sound can come from small pressure changes within the joints or from tissues moving as the neck moves. Because this is happening close to your ears, the noise can sometimes sound surprisingly loud. 1
Does it mean something is damaged?
Not necessarily. A neck that clicks or cracks without pain or other symptoms does not automatically mean that something is worn out or damaged. In many cases, the noise itself is nothing to worry about. 1
There is also no need to repeatedly make your neck crack simply because it feels as though it should.
When should I get it checked?
It is worth seeking assessment if the clicking is accompanied by persistent or worsening pain or restricted movement. Seek medical advice if you also experience pins and needles, numbness or weakness in an arm or hand. 1, 2
You should also seek appropriate medical assessment if significant neck symptoms start following a fall, accident or other injury.
If your neck is regularly painful or stiff, an assessment may help establish what is contributing.
At Resilience Osteopathy, an osteopath in Orpington can assess your neck movement and surrounding muscles and joints, and advise whether treatment, exercise guidance or further medical assessment may be appropriate.
The key message
A noisy neck is not necessarily an unhealthy neck.
Clicking and cracking are common. It is the symptoms that accompany the noise, rather than the noise alone, that are usually more important.
How Resilience Osteopathy may help with neck pain and stiffness
If neck pain or stiffness is affecting your sleep, work or everyday activities, book an assessment to discuss your symptoms and suitable care.
References
- Arthritis UK. Neck pain [Internet]. Chesterfield: Arthritis UK; [cited 2026 Oct 22]. Available from: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/understanding-arthritis/conditions/neck-pain/
↩︎ - NHS. Neck pain [Internet]. NHS; [cited 2026 Oct 22]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/ ↩︎
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