Weird Neck Sensation when Swallowing

[tw27]

Hey, I would like to thank you in advance for your time.  I am a 27 yr. old female.  Medication currently taking Zrytec D, Nasonex, Wellburtin XL, Xanax (on occassion), multi-vitamin along w/ numerous supplements, birth control pills and sometimes Advil.  I drink once a week and ex-smoker.  Diagnosed with TMJ, suppose to wear a splint every night but after tonsillectomy, it doesn't seem to fit right anymore.  Recently getting over anxiety/panic/OCD attacks -disorders.  Huge fear of cancer - grandmother died of Ovarian cancer 2 yrs. ago.  Had a tonsillectomy one month ago due to chronic tonsillitis.  I do frequently pop my neck, back, fingers and wrists but lately it seems like its more harder to pop my neck and back.  My problem and I am not sure if I should go to my chiropractor or Ear, Nose and Throat doctor or give it a few days or weeks....

Yesterday while at work, which is a computer/desk job -I realized as I was leaving to go home that when I swallowed some water, I had this weird sensation (seemed to appeared out of no where) on the right back side of my neck more toward where my neck meets my back and right shoulder (I don't remember straining or pulling any muscles).  Last night it wasn't near as bad as it was when I left work (couldn't really feel the weird sensation - almost felt normal by the time I went to bed) and I didn't really wake up this morning with this sensation until I thought about it.  It doesn't hurt or cause any pain and I have no problems at all swallowing and no pain when swallowing, food doesn't get stuck or caught in my throat, no choking problems, just a weird sensation type of feeling on the right back side of my neck, almost like a muscle is cramped up or stuck when I swallow (hard to describe). When I am not swallowing, my neck and in between my shoulders, more toward my right shoulder feels tight.  I don't have the best posture in the world.  I don't feel sick or anything. NO weight loss, no chest pains, no sore throat, no nausea, no fatigue and no dizziness.  When I bend my head down, I can feel it (my neck) stretching down my back and right shoulder almost.  Does this sound like a common thing with neck problems and if so what can I do to help my neck?  Or does this sound like something really serious (cancer)? I just didn't know if this was considered a "common" problem with neck problems or if I should go to my ENT doctor since I do have a fear of cancer.  I did have a barium swallow last December - had a lump in throat sensation - results were normal, nothing wrong - sensation was from anxiety and post nasal drip.  Plus I think that my ENT doctor would have noticed if something were wrong or if something was growing down my throat while he and the anthesiaologist were in my mouth and putting tubes down my throat during my tonsillectomy.  Please advise - I am trying not to freak out (cancer fear).  THank you

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I certainly would consider an ENT evaluation for a possible laryngoscopy.  If the barium swallow is negative, it makes it less likely that an esophageal problem is present.  GERD can present with a "globus sensation" (i.e. lump in the throat) - and can be treated with a proton-pump inhibitor such as Prilosec and Protonix.  A 24-hr pH study would be the definitive test for GERD.

In addition to the laryngoscopy, a modified barium swallow (which is a more comprehensive test of the swallowing mechanism) can be considered to see if there is any swallowing dysfunction.  The latter test can be scheduled via a speech pathologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[ozark]

it could be a tight muscle since you had surgery and i'm sure the position of your neck during it could have been in an awkward position causing a little muscle tension......good luck

[TJV]

I know this is not the appropriate thread to post this , my apologies -- but i know many of you have been posting on this board for a long time and know Tessa.  I'm not sure of the number she used after her name it may of been 0825 .  She just loved this board .

  Anyway I"m sad to say that Tessa passed away a week ago today. She had  systemic sclerosis.
  
She was a very remarkable woman and touched the lives deeply of everyone who knew her.  Her husband posted this news on another board today.  http://162.129.103.56/N/n.web?EP=N&URL=/MCGI/SEND1^WEBUTLTY(200,501639)/1302782581