Constant Neck Clicking

Hello, 23 year old guy here.

Bit of a strange one to ask about. I’ve been dealing with my neck constantly clicking (or perhaps more accurately, it feels like a very light snapping sensation) for about a month now. I know that, in general, crepitus isn’t something to worry about. However, this feels somewhat different. Every time I take a step, run, or jump, the area the the left of about C2-4 / under the base of my skull & to the left makes this noise.

I did consider if this was BP related, but it isn’t. My BP is within normal ranges, and I can produce this noise on demand through movement. I have full ROM, no neck pain at all, no neurological symptoms - just clicking. Interestingly, if I apply traction upwards or downwards on my head with my hands, it will stop the noise completely. I really don’t know what to make of this and would appreciate any advice. I know some things aren’t explainable and vanish by themselves, but this hasn’t been the case so far. I’ve not been able to run or similar recently as I do find it pretty disconcerting to have my upper neck / skull click every time there’s some sort of rising / falling movement.

I haven’t done a lot differently - my training is pretty consistent, and have been training for a good few years now. I do pretty heavy barbell shrugs and weight-behind-the-neck sit-ups, but that’s it. I also started on 0.5mg daily finasteride for MPB shortly before these symptoms began, but I’m resisting the urge to jump to any conclusions on that. Just this week I’ve also had some new bilateral shoulder pain come on, but again I have no idea if that’s in any way connected… There’s no real morning stiffness or constant pain or other red flags I’d be worried about at the moment, it feels much more like standard mechanical shoulder pain (albeit being slightly strange that it’s bilateral). Would an x-ray, CT or bloods be indicated in this instance? Anyways, I really appreciate any replies or suggestions.

Sorry to hear about this. Unfortunately I don’t really have an explanation or much I can offer via the forum here. If it’s concerning to you, getting an in-person evaluation would be reasonable and letting that healthcare professional make the recommendation on imaging. I do not see any reason for blood testing in this instance, whereas imaging may be helpful in ruling out (or, less likely, ruling in) a potential cause.