external jugular left side and high blood pressure

Hi
For the past few months, i have noticed that the vein on the left side of my neck(external jugular i think) is often visible and bulged.  When it bulges, it sort of swells and is painful (so much so that moving my neck becomes something to avoid).
I have AFIB, mild diabetes, and high blood pressure which is not well controlled.
I have tried many different high blood pressure meds, but none have really controlled the BP well.  I have also tried holistic herb based remedies to no avail.  I've removed or limited sodium from my diet, but still can't get my BP lower than (90 reading average) 168/105.  
Just wondering if anyone has had the vein problem?  its new for me and abit scary.  
I also wonder if it is solely the BP which is causing this problem or if something else may be going on.  
When i asked my GP about it he told me to see a chiropractor.  Don't really think that's a solution as the rest of my neck is fine.  MY GP also told me my BP was "benign" - does anyone know exactly what that means?  
Any advise would be very gratefully accepted.

thanks!!
andey