constant tightness in front of neck/throat HELP!!!!!

hi there  just joined forum.

I have had this tightness feeling in my throat for over 6 months now.  it is very annoying and feels like someone is trying to strangle me!!!!  i did have neck pain for over 2 years but that has  subsided alot now.  has anyone else experienced this constant feeling or any suggestions to what it could be?  it does disappear when i lie down but reappears within a few minutes of standing.

i do check my posture every day as someone said it could be muscle tension in the front of the neck.

PLEASE HELP !!!!

deb

[tmv]

Anxiety can show itself as many different symptoms. This sounds like one to me, but have you had your thyroid checked out by a dr?? Best of luck to you.

[TonnaB]

My throat feels as if I'm being strangled also. I can't stand for a shirt to touch me from my collarbone up. I'm going in for a scope in two weeks, I'll let you know what they say.I just feel like my neck is gonna burst it is so tight.  

[debsfoden]

many thanks for those 2 comments.  i would be interested to hear how you get on in a couple of weeks.  unless you have these symptoms it is difficult to describe how awlful it feels.  i live in the uk female aged 40.

[debsfoden]

many thanks for the replies.  i would be interested in how TonnaB gets on with the scope in 2 weeks time.  sounds like an identical problem to me.  i live in the uk and am aged 40.

[TonnaB]

I will let you know how scope turns out. I have a swollen lymph node also on side of neck, so I am a tad freaked. I may not be able to wait 2 weeks!! But I will keep you posted. Check thyroid forum, I have been posting a lot on there.

[TonnaB]

Hi. I had the scope yesterday, it took maybe a minute and a half. He said he saw nothing on the inside. I go for a biopsy on the 16th(for my gland) and he said he'll "look around" while he's in there to see what's going on. So I am no further than I was. Sorry.

[frightened:(]

What did you find out?  I am having what you had/have.  Have ENY apt. in end of October... a LONG wait.  Wondering what I might find out or give Dr. insight to.  THANKS :-)

[paulyK]

Sounds like Globus hystericus. This can be quite scary, and I have had two episodes in my life. I'm 55 yrs old and an R.N. It usually goes away on it's own.  For me, both episodes lasted lest than 4 weeks.  I felt like I was wearing a very tight collar, or had a bone stuck in my throat. It never prevented me from swallowing normally, just felt weird. Look it up on-line for further explanations and suggestions.  It is benign and needs no treatment in most cases, but needs to be diagnosed in order to rule out a possible growth or more serious issue.

[alli6203]

Hi I have just discovered this forum, I am the same - tightening of the throat, i am also wretching when i talk, cant breathe too - Drs are saying it is anxiety and asthma, I read something on google that it could be gerd or LPR - it sounds like it, Acid reflux, I am going back to GP tomorrow with print outs x

[Laura Jay]

Hi, I too have this same promblem, It feels like you are being strangled.  I had a scope put down my throat.  The results came back as Reflux.  I was given tablets nearly a year ago now.  But still suffer with it.  It now feels like I have a lump in my throat and it is being pinched.  I also seem to have constant headaches. x

[Tuscan1]

Hi, I also feel like my throat is going to burst its so restricted.I keep pressing it to try and relieve the pressure and sometimes by deep breathing it relieves it but only for a second. I saw the doc and he said I had this condition called cricothyroid muscle spasm and prescribed Somac tablets for the reflux. I've been taking them for 9 days now, its sort of ok, but hasnt made that much of a difference, I'm going to keep taking the Somac for at least a month and see what happens then. I also feel bloated when my throat feels at its worse and find it hard to talk, like I have to strain to say anything and cant hit high notes anymore, in fact it makes me tired just to talk lately. Also, my heart beats so fast. Does anyone else have these exact symptons, I dont get a lump in my throat like some I've read.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

"tightness feeling in [your] throat " can be from many reasons, this globus sensation that paulyK mentions is a good term for it.  Anxiety, asthma, GERD acid reflux, foreign bodies, these need evaluation by your doctor.

[Pet1304]

I am a 40 year old female who has just started having this throat tightening symptom.  Seems to get worse the more I think about it.  Today is probably the worst day (I've had it a few times over the last 3 weeks).  I was diagnosed with Epstein Barr 6 weeks ago, although this doesn't seem to have developed into glandular fever; just extreme fatigue and general malaise.  I also felt as though I had a tablet wedged behind my collarbone for about 2-3 weeks so I stopped the tablets (big naturopath ones), and the feeling gradually went, although this horrible tightness is still there.  I think lying down helps.  Does anyone else have this type of thing?

[shalynn000]

Yes, I had that same tight feeling in my neck in October.  It was relieved when laying down. I thought nothing of it because I have sinus issues and reflex as well.  I got over it in about a week but got it back again about a month later.  I don't have it anymore.  But, what I do find strange is that my little 8 year old girl said that she felt like there was a rubberband around her neck and it felt really tight.  She is over this as well.  She did not know I was experiencing this because I did not tell her.  So... I am wondering if it is possible that it was more of a viral flu like condition because she does not have reflux or sinus.

[cranky_in_pain]

I have similar feelings.  I had my gallbladder taken out 2 months ago and have had strange symptoms of pain and tightness in areas in my abdomen, chest and neck since.  I also have some relief when I laying down, or when I raise my chin higher than parallel to the ground.  In addition to the tight feeling, the front center of my neck is tender to the touch and seems to "get stuck" and be cramped when I swallow - like a lump in my throat.  Glands tender also.
My dr has perscribed muscle relaxers, I'm seeing a chiropractor, a massage therapist and doing stretches for the front neck muscles.  I get temporary relief from all of it, but nothing that lasts.
My dr has also said anxiety (I think we all have anxiety because of how we feel!) and muscle tension - which I don't doubt, but something has to be causing it.

[bookerman]

Google this:  "cricopharyngeal spasm."  One Doctor describes a procedure he uses to diagnose it, and assures that it is not serious.  He says it is caused by some kind of cramping like a charlie horse, and will go away on it's own in time.  Many experience great relief just knowing it's not cancer.  Take the printout to your doctor if you are being examined for the first time.  His article is also listed on Nexium.com.  Hope this helps.

[horsemullet]

I just started having a problem that sounds similar but yet different to many of you. I have previously had problems in my sternocleidomastoid from my stroke in water polo (I am a college student who swims and plays water polo) and I am reaching the end of my season and not only do I have pain high in the back of my neck down into my back/shoulders I have started to have pain in the front of my neck from my jaw down over my collar bones. I also recently got hit in the larynx so this really isn't helping the situation. Lying down on my back it still feels really tight, sometimes worse. Putting my head down towards my chest is sometimes the only way I feel like I can breathe. It has continually gotten worse and my trainers nor myself know what is going on. The only thing so far that has been able to release my pain in the back of my neck( which went away but has recently returned with the tightness in the front) has been litacaine shots into certain trigger points.

[WHATSMYPROBLEM]

I have had throat problems all my life, but within the past 2 years I've had this feeling of garbage in my throat and can't seem to clear it out completely. At the same time I have itching ears and they seem to have more wax buildup or leakage at times. Been to ENT several times, have had previous xrays, MRI, Ultra Sound, scope and nothing shows up.  I DID have a staph infection in my ear, so I'm wondering if it didn't go away with the medication and just keeps traveling back and forth from throat to ears through the drainage tunnel.  I'm at my wits' end as well and all I can do is complain about it until I'm dead and have to put it on my gravestone.

[stella456]

I've been currently suffering from a sore throat and cold and today experienced a feeling of tightness (like someone had tried to strangle me) around my neck. I had been wearing a scarf though this was not in any way tight and when taking it off, it made no difference. I am hoping that it is nothing serious e.g Laryngitis, a throat infection, or one of the above, but am going to monitor it over the next day or so and hopefully it will go on its own accord. I have been doing a lot of singing with my choir for Christmas which doesnt help, but am glad i'm not alone with the above problem!

[Sheryl777]

I have had this feeling for years, it is so annoying.  It really got bad when I had thyroidectomy, the doctor botched it, I ended up with a hematoma and he had to operate again. Since then I have had this feeling someone is choking me.  Not only that but after this I was diagnosed with glaucoma and I am wondering if the pressure on neck is causing pressure in eyes.  I have mentioned this to doctors but cannot get a satisfactory answer.  Has anyone else developed glaucoma after removal of thyroid?

[Sheryl777]

I have had this feeling for years, it is so annoying.  It really got bad when I had thyroidectomy, the doctor botched it, I ended up with a hematoma and he had to operate again. Since then I have had this feeling someone is choking me.  Not only that but after this I was diagnosed with glaucoma and I am wondering if the pressure on neck is causing pressure in eyes.  I have mentioned this to doctors but cannot get a satisfactory answer.  Has anyone else developed glaucoma after removal of thyroid?

[Janie88]

I have the tightness around my throat, and when I raise my head, it helps, to breath better. I also have trouble seeing, my face muscles are swollen, one eyelid seems to be closing slower than the other, and it is difficult to form certain words sometimes, like almost when you eat something cold and your mouth is a little numb, and I am having a little more trouble seeing than before this, like something is swollen on the inside! Dr said it was TMJ and I have a staph infection, with no specific treatment given except sulphur for staph and steroid for TMJ. I am done with both medicines and symptoms are right back where we were. I also have way more fatigue than before and pain in my neck, and I sound stopped up in my head, for over 4 months now, and I need help, no insurance and don't know what to do. Someone please advise and thank you.--Janie

[vuladams]

Could be Eosinophilic Esophagitis, GERD, or Thyroid Nodules. See a Gastroenterologist and also an Endocrinologist. Be prepared for an endoscopy and possibly a biopsy as well as an ultrasound of your thyroid.

[wyatt1]

I had the same thing and it was muscle spasms.   Once I knew what was wrong I relaxed
and the spasms went away after a wek or so.

[judahstanwalker]

msucle tension dysphonia - that's what this is, especially if you notice you can't speak like you use to be able to. this issue can be cured by seeing a speech pathologist and a great chiropracter... spine cracks can release a lot of muscle tension too! i've been noticing huge imrovements after being helped by these specialists. i thought i had asthama prior to getting their help... the puffer gave me relief for a few months, my speakng and singing voice was normal... but i think my problem got a lot worsel eventually the puffer stopped working... which means my muscle tension got a lot worse. that's when i gave up my puffer for 2 months and saw a specialist who suggested i also visit a chiropractor.

hope this helps people with similar issues. this is pretty hard to diagnose by many and to be normal again takes a lot - only the best doctors can help!

i'm also trying regular massage theraphy.

I'm an opera singer from canada. i've discussed my issuses with other professionsals and they all agree that i'm headed in the right direction. i also feel a lot better! so give this a shot... and i hope i was of some help.

[jackita]

help me! I have this thing too, it began like 4 months ago, I have gone with 3 doctors, the first one, gave me that look.. (you are crazy) and send me with the shrink, the shrink prescribed "haldol", of course it did not work, last doc told me pretty much the same thing that the first one... "its in your mind" you will feel as good as you want, you just have to think you are ok, the guy gave a book, (eat right for your type) and recommended yoga. i have lost some weight but the awful sensation in my neck remains there. I live in Chula Vista Ca. do you know about something that might help?? Im desperate. I know its not in my mind, my hair is falling, my nails can´t be weaker, Im tired all the time, I cry easily, some times i am very hungry, my body start retaining liquid in the afternoon. please somebody help me!

[jackita]

i had epstein bar to =0!!! like 5 years ago, but this throat thing just started!

[630G]

I had epstein bar 5 years ago as well.  Dealing with the throat thing.  There has to be a connection to the virus.  Let me know what you find out.

[Sue31961]

I also have this.  I thought it was related to my asthma, but my inhaler does nothing for it.  I also have GERD; but it's under control.  I know it's no anxiety that's causing this for me (the feeling of being choked causes anxiety though), so I looked it up.  This sounds exactly like what I experience.  I hope it helps you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricopharyngeal_spasm

[nichola24]

Hi guys, I am 35 and I also have had this pressure on my throat... since March the 12th 2011 and it still hasn't gone away. I saw a couple of doctors, then 4 months later again, but they both told me it will go away... yeah, ok but what is it? I am so scared it might be cancer. If I knew it wasn't, I'd be able to sleep at night and stop being angry all the time just because I am so scared. I am so scared, I am afraid to touch my neck... it's taking away precious moments from my life... even when you are happy, you feel pain and worry that wipes off that smile. It happened during a very streesful time but I refuse to accept that stress can do this to you, even when your life is finally better.... A doctor friend told me to try muscle-relieving pills and they did help, I felt nothing while taking them but once I stopped, the whole thing started again. It stopped for about ten days, two times till now and that's the only thing that gives me hope...Does any of you have this thing come and go?

[carla041]

I am 41 and for the past 5 years I have had pain in my shoulders,back and neck. Not all the time but it would be everyday sometimes more than others I would feel like I was being strangled I would have to lay down for 1 to 3 hours for it to subside enough to fuction again. I went to my dr. and have been diagnosted with high blood preasure (it was 207/107 at the dr. office) and anxiety. Dr put me on high blood preasure medicine. That night I took the meds and the next morning my blood preasure was normal and all my symtoms (symptoms) were gone. I hope my story helps someone because I was in pain for 5 years after many tests and the dr's telling me my high blood preasure was because I was in pain, for me, high blood preasure was causing my pain.

[Jkeller04]

Hi,
I'm have the same thing and it has come and gone over the last two years, sometimes for months at a time. Look up cricopharyngeal spasms!

[Mersaidez]

I heard from a doc in oregon, that it is called chricopharyngeal, I have it, and been having it for 2 yrss now, same tightness, unbearable. Its due to muscle spasms, look it up. Dont let them tell u its anxiety r panic attacks, if u did have anxiety, its from freacking out from feeling the tightness, thats natural, so they put me on prescription that made it worse and caused more ailments in my body, plz look it up, itakes perfect sense, but I would turn for herbs, look up herbnet.com herbalist is dr. carlos guerero, good luck everyone, I pray ya get help r already gotten the help, mersaidez

[Mersaidez]

I heard from a doc in oregon, that it is called chricopharyngeal, I have it, and been having it for 2 yrss now, same tightness, unbearable. Its due to muscle spasms, look it up. Dont let them tell u its anxiety r panic attacks, if u did have anxiety, its from freacking out from feeling the tightness, thats natural, so they put me on prescription that made it worse and caused more ailments in my body, plz look it up, itakes perfect sense, but I would turn for herbs, look up herbnet.com herbalist is dr. carlos guerero, good luck everyone, I pray ya get help r already gotten the help, mersaidez

[Pookin]

How many of you sit at desks all day?

http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=44247

http://www.pressurepointer.com/SCM_trigger_points.htm

[ezmam]

sternocleidomastoid, trigger points release and you will be symptom free. trust me, please find out as much as you can about releasing sternocledomastoid trigger points. i did and i am symptom free

[ezmam]

sternocleidomastoid is used as an accessory muscle when breathing is apical ie breathing from upper chest instead of diaphragm. also it "switches" on with prolonged sitting postures and the deep neck flexors become inhibited. you need to look up breathing patterns and start self releasing sternocleidomastoid  bilaterally. a tight sternocleidomastoid is also chief cause of frontal lobe headaches. hope this helps.

[mags162]

Hello to Tuscan.I have the same syptoms (symptoms) as yoy with the headaches as well I take topamax for migraines but nothing helps the headaches.

[Marshni]

I have been having the exact same problem for weeks now. The first doc I went to said my throat is inflamed and gave me meds but it didn't help. The second doc sent me for an xray and that showed that there is a foreign body or calcification in my throat so I went to an ENT and he said he thinks that it's being caused by a post nasal drip and gave me meds to try. I am currently trying that and if that doesn't help then the net step will be to operate and have a look to see what's there. I have to wait a week to see how I feel but I have to tell you this is the worst feeling in the world. It also causes my jaw to pain really bad and my ears get blocked so there's an echo when I talk. If you having this problem dont leave it go have an xray and go to an ENT. I hope it comes right.