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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Weird Neck Sensation when Swallowing
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Weird Neck Sensation when Swallowing
by tw27, Dec 01, 2004 12:00AM
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
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
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Dec 02, 2004 12:00AM
, Dec 02, 2004 12:00AM
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
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
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