Over the past few weeks, I have noticed a stiffness and slight discomfort in the neck. Very recently, I notice that when I turn my head from side to side, I can hear a creaking sound that doesn't seem to go away, emanating from the back of the neck. I have been taking Sustiva, Ziagen and Videx for the past two years. Prior to that time, I was on Epivir and Zerit for not quite 2-1/2 years. Viral load ~1500, CD4 >500. HIV+ for approx 10 years. No other problems to date, other than drug-related loss of body fat. Im concerned about possible bone problems. Any thoughts?

The creaking in your neck could be due to many different causes, and it is important to let your health care provider know about your symptoms. There can be side effects in bones from antiretroviral therapy, although I doubt that your neck symptoms are related to the known side effects in bone. Rarely patients may get osteonecrosis, most commonly in the hip and sometimes in the upper arm. The risk of osteonecrosis is increased by taking steroids or drinking excessive alcohol. Patients on long term ART may also have osteoporosis. Again, I don't think that your curerent symptoms are related to these processes, but checking with your health care provider is crucial.