Clunk noise from base of skull

[greasemunkey69]

I am a 25 year old male with no real history of severe back trauma except for an injury when i was 14. I recently heard a noise in my mid back between my shoulder blades when doing shrugs at the gym and immediatly stopped. Over about 3 months my lower back started popping with some leg pain but regular trips to the chiropractor helped that issue. The real concern is my mid and upper neck right at ther base of my skull. My upper back and neck make a sandy/rice crispy treat noise and the base of my skulls clunks when doing almost any type head movement. No pain yet but i dont want it to get that far. i was originally perscribed anti-inflamatory and muslce relaxers with no real change. Just went to an orthorpedic office in charoltte NC and was told to take anti-inflamatory with physical therapy and told to come back in six weeks for an MRI if it doesnt get better even tough i told the doctor it was already getting worse.  All the at home neck strengthening exercises just seem to make it worse. I believe that i needed an MRI but the doctor thinks i need time and then come back if it doesnt get better. Should i wait the entire six weeks if its bothering me already and would insurance cover an MRI if i wanted it or do doctors have t follow some guide line.

[Jasper175]

Hi,
It's been years since this post.  I'm curious what happened since?
I'm dealing with an odd clucking noise in my C1-C2 or C2-C3 ... really in other areas... but the base of my neck is so tight, tinnitus is so loud... Jumping Jacks makes it clunk, laying on a rolled towel makes it separate like and if I tense my neck muscles, it clunks back.  Seems to make my brain burn, or go nuts.
MRI shows nothing, X-Ray, CT Scan - nothing... except typical herniations.

[pstone]

OK LISTEN TO ME: I have had C5, C6, C7 fused with cage. L3 ( L4, L5 removed with peek cage) S1 with rods & screws. Ok the Clunks, grinding noises in your neck I also still have them. You need an MRI. Please please go see a NEUROSURGEON. They also specialize in nerves & bones get a 2nd opinion. Let your orthopedic dr order the MRI's get the results then make an appt with a NEUROSURGEON!!!. I got 2 orthorpedic opinion but after my surgerys I was still in pain I went to one & found out things that I wish I had went to one first. Please do not -do not do any more gym or CHIROPRACTOR. Yes I used them to for a few years but the last time when he went to adjust my neck I grabed his hand for some reason & would not let him do it, I guess it was God that made me made him stop.  No you need the MRI ASAP if he want do it go to another DR. Get you an special pillow for Cervical pillow walmart does sell them about 20.00. I will try & remember to get on here & check my message's but here is my email stone_p***@**** if you need to talk good luck :)