Question
Hello,
  I have a two year old and when i tilt her head back or when she tilts it back there is a little crackle everytime.  I noticed this has been happening for a long time now, I don't think it bothers her, it doesn't seem to.  It seems everytime I tilt her head directly back.  What does this sound like?  Some sort of tension?  Thanks, Jade

Answer
joint noise, neck crackle, crepitus, staten island chiropractic



Hello Jade,

First, right away let me be a little comforting; this does not sound very serious.  The body makes noise, if the noise is accompanied by pain > it is serious; if the noise does not seem to cause discomfort > it is probably not very serious.

That being said, let me say joint noise is FAR more common as we grow older, not usually in the younger or infant populations.  Still do not let this ALARM you.

The body makes noise-
see previous answers on crepitus, grinding, cracks, snaps, crackles, pops:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2008/8/Cracking-popping-sound-feel-...

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2008/6/neck-crepitus-3.htm

Joint noises do not HAVE to mean anything bad.  The body makes noises.  The heart beats, the stomach growls, the lungs whoooosh, the blood vessels have noise, and joints have noises.

However, there are normal noises and abnormal noises.

In the joints, cracking, clicking, popping (spell?) can be normal, can be bad, can be very bad. If the noise is accompanied by pain or locking or a change in motion, the sound is bad.  If the noise is NOT accompanied by pain, change in motion, locking, it is probably not very significant.  Joints make noise.

The above applies to older patients.  Noises as you describe are unusual in a a baby, but unusual does not have to mean abnormal or 'bad'.  Again, I would not be alarmed, but I would have the noise checked out by a DC with pediatric training:
Chiropractic Specialties:
http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf
Chiropractic Pediatrics:  http://www.icpa4kids.org/ , http://www.icpa4kids.org/locator/index.php


To summarize: would I be worried?, NO, , , , would I be cautious and have it checked out at some point- preferably by a Doctor of Chiropractic with a pediatric credential?, YES.  Would I RUN today to the DC?, no , , ,  but at some point?, yes.

If you need further information, have more questions,,
do not hesitate to RE-contact me here at
AllExperts.com
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm




Your Staten Island Chiropractic Friend,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com       (email newsletter)
http://www.GoodHealthNaturally.info
http://www.DocDolan.net