My neck's been making cracking sounds, tight muscles from working, what kind of doctor should I be seeing?

Question

I'm 25, been sitting in the office for the past 3 years, this is probably the cause. But anyways, my neck's been making cracking sound and feeling uncomfortable since half a year ago. It hurts and my muscles are obviously really tight.

Soon the cracking sound reduced, but it hurts just as much, and when I turn my head, even my teeth seem to hurt. A friend of mine is really scaring me by saying that neck bone problems may lead to serious issues and my whole body may one day become disabled!!!

I need to see a doctor, someone suggested getting an MRI screening done. I have PPO plan with my company, $20 copay and $250 annual deductible, it says 20% negociated fee after annual deductible.

I have two questions.

1. What type of doctor should I be seeing?
2. How much do I expect to pay, roughly (with my $20 copay and $250 annual deductible, it says 20% negociated fee after annual deductible.)

Sorry I'm really new to this, I've never seen a doc since age 13, THANX!!!!!

On my second question regarding PPO plan, I meant to say how much I will probably pay if I am to get a MRI screening

Answer 1

Over the years, I've had many orthopedic-type problems that were resolved, or at least lessed, thanks to a good chiropractor. I had chronic neck and upper back pain, and a reduction in my range-of-motion in these areas, due to snowboarding injuries. Thanks to chiropractic medicine (and also some massage, I might add), those problems are GONE! :)

That was a few years ago, but I still see a chiropractor about once a month (sometimes twice) just for maintenance. My hips have a tendency to get slightly out of alignment, mainly due to my poor sitting habits and weak lower back muscles, so the chiro always takes care of that -- and in the process, takes care of the lower back pain that always builds up there.

He also keeps my trapezius and rhomboid muscles in good shape, because I tend to keep a LOT of stress there, and sometimes I even pull my scapula (shoulder blade) out of whack due to the muscle tension. I really ought to take some stress reduction classes. :( But in the meantime, I have to say that having a good chiro (who also happens to give massages) is truly a blessing!!!

Also, for the record, a chiropractor can customize and teach all sorts of exercises for patients to do at home, just like a physical therapist does. My chiro has amazed me with knowing JUST what type of exercises and/or movements to practice, so I can strengthen certain muscle groups. So basically a chiro can do what a PT can do, but a PT can't do what a chiro can do (i.e. give adjustments). That's why I think a chiro is the better deal. :)

P.S. I don't want to sound like your mother (*blush*), but it is REALLY bad that you haven't seen a doctor of any type since age 13, and now you're 25. I'm not saying folks should have check-ups every year, but heck -- at least every 2 or 3 years! Please consider going more often, now that you're getting older. :) I can't even begin to mention all the incidents I've heard of, where folks had certain diseases and/or disorders that they never knew they had, because they never saw a doctor. :( For example: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-cancerous skin conditions, hormonal imbalances, nutritional imbalances, etc.

Answer 2

I don't know what I would do without my chiropractors. dr. Laven at 714/ 528-7500 is the best. He first puts deep heat, to relax the muscles so he can get the best adjustment. After the adjustment, he gives you exercises. One that really helps everyone is lie on the floor with a rolled towel pretty thick but not too thick -- down your spine and up to your neck. Just lie there for a few minutes to feel your pectoral muscles bend the other way instead of hunched forward. Also, take some grapefruit seed extract (12 drops 3 times a day) to rid your body of virus that works on making sore muscles worse--virus attack weakened areas. God bless. Jesus loves you!

Answer 3

I personally don't believe in chiropractors. I would see a physical therapist. Try seeing one before going through all that testing. It could save you tons of money! Some simple stretches and exercises can make a significant difference.

Answer 4

i think you should see a chiropractor they are awesome anything to do with any of your spine including your neck i wouldnt take chances