My neck grinds and cracks when I move it, what can I do? Dr Zoe Williams answers your health questions

OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.

Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader who has been having headaches for several months.

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Q) I AM a 65-year-old man and after suffering with headaches for several months, was diagnosed with spondylitis in my neck area.

My GP prescribed acupuncture as I am unable to take strong painkillers due kidney problems.

Prescribed Amitriptyline hasn’t helped. I’m still getting daily headaches which are affecting my taste and smell and it is getting me down.

I’ve been referred to a spinal specialist but I am on a long waiting list. I’ve tried neck exercises but that seems to make the headaches worse. Is there anything that could help with this?

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A) Cervical spondylosis is wear and tear to the bones that make up the spine in our neck and the discs that act as cushions between them.

We all get some degree of spondylosis as we get older but for many it does not cause symptoms.

For others it can cause neck pain and stiffness and/or headaches, which often start at the back of the head just above the neck.

You can also get pins and needles in the hand of the affected side, because the degenerative tissues can put pressure on nerves.

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Tell your doctor if you develop weakness or numbness of a hand or arm or in rare cases if walking, hand clumsiness or bladder issues arise.

It’s good the referral process is in place but I’m sure it’s frustrating having to wait. I do wonder if you may benefit from seeing a physiotherapist.

Keeping the neck moving and the right type of exercises as well as focussing on good neck posture are very important for managing this condition.

So this may be something to explore whilst awaiting the specialist appointment.

E-mail Dr Zoe: [email protected]