Ongoing Neck Discomfort – Clear MRI, Only Temporary Relief
For the past 7 to 8 years, I've been habitually cracking my neck in the upper cervical region (C1–C3). What began as an idle distraction gradually developed into a situation where I experienced stiffness and an incessant need to 'pop' my neck, ultimately forming a persistent habit. In early September, I decided to visit a chiropractor. He diagnosed me with a "significant injury," noting that one of my upper left cervical joints was immobile. The initial adjustment offered substantial comfort, and after undergoing 3 to 4 sessions, he stated that he successfully restored its movement. Over the course of my treatment, I attended about 20 chiropractic sessions from early September until mid-November. My chiropractor recommended that I should come in twice weekly to help maintain the adjustments. The pattern I noticed during treatment was that I experienced some relief for a few days, occasionally lasting up to a week at the most. Unfortunately, after that period, my neck would start to tense up again, often feeling increasingly unstable. This phase was also accompanied by migraine headaches. When my treatment came to an end in mid-November, I underwent an MRI of my neck which yielded completely normal results. The first couple of weeks after halting chiropractic sessions were tolerable. However, soon after, my muscles grew tight again, causing a significant clamp down in mobility. During the holiday season, I took roughly three weeks off from any activities. To my surprise, during that period of rest, my symptoms actually worsened. By the end of December, I consulted with my general practitioner who recommended a brain MRI to rule out any other issues. However, the cost of the MRI at $500 deterred me from proceeding. I also experimented with migraine medications, though they did not yield any noticeable improvement. In early January, I began treatment with a new physiotherapist. She suspects that upper back tightness could be a contributing factor to my discomfort. As part of my treatment, she has me performing foam rolling exercises. Additionally, she applies firm pressure with her thumb on the affected joint in the upper left section of my neck, holding it for several minutes. During these moments, the pain diminishes significantly and remains manageable for a few days. However, it inevitably returns over time. At this stage, I am feeling quite similar to how I felt when my problems initially flared up, possibly even a bit worse overall. The longest duration of relief I manage to experience lasts only a few days to maybe a week before the tightness returns. Truthfully, I am utterly frustrated by this persistent pain that accompanies me daily. At 25 years old, it feels as if my condition is not taken seriously, likely due to my age. The ongoing cycle of fleeting relief followed by re-tightening is mentally and physically draining. All I want is for my neck to feel stable and normal again. Has anyone encountered a similar situation? Clear imaging but fleeting relief from manual therapies that ultimately fade away?
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 1:00:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing discomfort you're experiencing with your neck. It's understandable to feel frustrated when relief seems temporary and imaging tests come back normal. Your concerns about stability and daily pain are valid and common among individuals with similar issues.
Key Points:
- Persistent neck pain and stiffness with fleeting relief can be challenging, especially when imaging is clear.
- Foam rolling and manual therapy may help, but it seems like they haven’t led to lasting improvement for you.
- Addressing muscle tightness, postural habits, and daily activities could provide better symptom management.
Explanation:
Neck issues can be complex, and multiple factors may be contributing to your symptoms, including muscle tightness, stress, posture, and even habits like neck cracking. Since your imaging showed no abnormalities, it’s likely that soft tissue issues or muscle alignment may be at play. The body often responds to muscle imbalances with tightness, which can lead to discomfort and the feeling of instability you're experiencing.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Continue with Physiotherapy: Maintain regular visits and communicate openly with your physiotherapist. Discuss any changes in your symptoms and make sure they are adapting your treatment as needed.
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Incorporate Consistent Stretching: Introduce gentle neck and upper back stretching exercises daily to help alleviate tightness. Focus on stretches that target the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles.
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Improve Posture: Being mindful of your posture while sitting or using electronic devices can help reduce strain on your neck. Use ergonomic setups where possible and take breaks to stretch and move.
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Warm Packs: Applying warm packs to your neck can help relax tight muscles before you stretch.
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Stress Management Techniques: Consider techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness to address any underlying stress, which can tighten muscles.
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Gradual Activity Resumption: Since you noticed worsening symptoms during a break from physical activity, try introducing light, regular movement into your routine rather than complete rest.
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Pain Diary: Maintain a diary of your pain levels, triggers, and any activities that exacerbate or relieve discomfort. This can provide insight into patterns and help you and your healthcare providers make informed decisions.
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Seek Second Opinions: If symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion from another physiotherapist or a pain specialist who may offer different management techniques.
If you notice significant changes in symptoms or new issues arise, consider discussing further imaging or alternative treatments with your healthcare provider. Remember, while the journey may feel long, addressing these factors often takes time but can ultimately lead to improvement. You’re not alone in this, and there are paths forward!
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