Tiny gas bubbles can form and eventually collapse within synovial joints, be released and then create the popping sounds, such as in the neck’s facet joints. Some likely causes of neck crepitus include: Watch Cervical Vertebrae Anatomy Animation Neck crepitus is thought to occur when structures in the spine rub together and make sounds. At the front of the adjacent vertebrae is another connection called the intervertebral disc space.
Inside the facet joint is synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints. There is a smooth surface on the end of each bone called cartilage.
The facet joints in the neck are where the back of adjacent vertebrae join together.
