Expert Advice   Print Version Q. I hear a crunching noise when I turn my neck. Is this bad? Should I have it checked? A. Popping sounds can sometimes be heard when a muscle or tendon slides over a bony nob or prominence. The sound you hear may also be the gliding of joints as you turn your neck. Articular cartilage forms a smooth covering over the surface of healthy joints. If a joint has been injured or inflamed, the surface may thicken, creating a rubbing sound as you move. A courser grinding or crunching may indicate more advanced changes in the surfaces of one or more joints. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that can happen from wear and tear, especially when there has been a change in the alignment of the joint. Joint alignment can be altered following an injury, when muscles are tense or in spasm, or from spine postures that have been used over the years. A physical therapy program to help with posture and muscle balance can improve movement in your neck and may help take the noise away. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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