Creaks and cracks in neck may be due to arthritis
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 83-year-old man in reasonably good health. About six months ago, I started hearing a cracking noise when I turned my head sideways or up and down. Sometimes it would happen every 15 seconds. No one can hear it but me, which is why I haven’t gone to my family doctor. I also have had some light headaches. – R.P.
ANSWER: The cracking noise could be coming from one of the joints in your neck. Most people at age 83 have some degree of arthritis in the neck, and I think that’s the most likely cause.
Sometimes there can be a snapping noise or sensation as tendons move over a bony prominence. Other times, there can be a cracking noise, such as cracking knuckles, for the same reason, with nitrogen bubbles forming in the joint with pressure changes. But a crunching or cracking noise most often comes from the joint itself, and often represents some degree of arthritis. If it’s not bothering you, nothing need be done. A set of X-rays could confirm and determine the severity of arthritis.
The headaches may have nothing to do with the sound, but there are headaches that can be triggered from neck arthritis.
The arthritis booklet discusses rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and lupus. Readers can order a copy by writing:
Dr. Roach
Book No. 301
628 Virginia Dr. Orlando, Fla., 32803 Enclose a cheque or money order (no cash) for $6 with the recipient’s printed name and address.
DEAR DR. ROACH: If a person has lower than optimally functioning kidneys, and protein is hard for kidneys to process, is it easier for kidneys to process plant protein or animal protein? – S.H.
ANSWER: Plant protein definitely is better for the kidneys. Switching from a meat-based diet to a plant-based diet has been shown to slow the progression of kidney disease from many different causes. A plantbased diet has probable benefits in terms of heart disease, as well, compared with a diet high in animal protein, especially red meat. Reducing animal protein is only part of what needs to be done for kidney disease. Depending on how advanced the kidney disease is, some people need to reduce the amount of potassium they take in. It also may be appropriate to look carefully at medication doses.
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, Fla., 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.