The crunching or clicking sensation you feel in your throat when moving it is most commonly due to the structures in your neck, specifically the larynx (voice box), interacting with each other. The most frequent reasons are related to the positioning or size of certain cartilages and bones in this area.
Common Causes of Throat Crunching
The "crunching" or "clicking" sensation you're experiencing could be caused by a few factors:
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Displaced Cornu Superior of the Thyroid Cartilage: The thyroid cartilage, a major component of your larynx, has upper horns (cornu superior). If one of these horns is slightly out of place, it can rub against other structures when you move your neck, causing the crunching sound or feeling.
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Enlarged Greater Cornu of the Hyoid Bone: The hyoid bone, located in the upper neck, doesn't directly connect to any other bones. It's held in place by muscles and ligaments. The greater cornu (larger horns) of the hyoid bone, if enlarged, can also rub against the thyroid cartilage or other structures.
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Short Distance Between the Thyroid Cartilage and Hyoid Bone: A smaller-than-average space between these two structures increases the likelihood of them making contact during neck movements.
Other Possible, Less Common Causes
While the above are the most common causes, other possibilities include:
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Arthritis: While less common in the throat specifically, arthritis in the cervical spine (neck vertebrae) could cause clicking or grinding sensations that might be felt in the throat area.
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Scar Tissue: If you've had surgery or trauma to the neck, scar tissue can sometimes form and create unusual sensations upon movement.
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Muscle Tension: Tight neck muscles can contribute to unusual sensations when moving your neck.
What To Do
While a clicking or crunching throat is often harmless, it's best to consult a doctor, especially if it's accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Lump in the neck
A physical exam and possibly imaging studies (like an X-ray or CT scan) can help determine the exact cause and rule out any underlying medical conditions.
