My neck has been cracking and grinding for some time. I got this while hyperextending my neck doing deadlifts and squats at the gym.  I had a x-ray and MRI and all looks good structually except for some inflamation.  I may get a steroid injection.  Just like to know if anyone experienced this and what you did to resolve the issue?  Thanks

I would make sure I am eating lots of nutrients that are anti-inflammatory like:

1) Omega 3s from oily fish like salmon. It is better to eat fish than take a pill if you have a choice.

2) Tart cherries. Cherries contain a high amount of Quercetin which is as powerful as Advil without the side-effects.

3) Avocados and olive oil

It also would be obvious advice to check your form on deadlifts and squats to make sure you don't hyper-extend your neck anymore. You should be looking forward not up when squatting and your head should be inline with your back throughout the entire deadlift movement.

It is just going to take time to heal provided you don't keep re-aggravating it. While a cortisone shot works immediately, it is a powerful catabolic steroid that overtime will cause your neck vertebrae and cartilage to degenerate if you get them frequently.

John

Sorry for the delay John. Thanks for the advice! I do most of this and will continue. I do add a lot of cranberries to my smoothies which are high in Quercitin. I will get some tart cherries but they are pretty expensive. I am getting a steroid injection in a couple weeks.

Are you doing some rehab for the muscles of and surrounding your neck as well @Hawk_Given? Massagingfoam rolling your traps, shoulders, back and neck might help.

Good idea Scott! I have several foam rollers. I will give it a go. Thanks bro!

Happy to help man! Foam rollers are a real life saver.. if you have a theracane that might be useful to dig around your back too!