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

[debsfoden]

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

[WeStarStuff]

DON'T BELIEVE YOU NEED AN ANTI-ANXIETY MED.

That's not what this is!

Please never accept it if a lay person suggests you need pharmaceuticals! That's a very irresponsible suggestion. There are plenty ways to reduce your stress without pharma!

If you DO take anti-anxiety meds, BE WARNED...

Recent research shows even limited use of meds like Xanax, Valium and other benzodiazepines (any time in your lifetime) are linked to an increased risk of Alzeimer's and dementia.

Read more here:

http://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-sn-anxiety-drug-alzheimers-20140909-story.html

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/benzodiazepine-use-may-raise-risk-alzheimers-disease-201409107397

Reduce your anxiety naturally. Here are some suggestions & things that have worked really well for me:

Reduce your stress (sometimes this can mean change your expectations!).

Meditate (just sit quietly, let  your mind stop working for a while, you WILL notice a difference!).

Get enough sleep (I know, it's hard to do!)

Eat fresh fruit & veggies. Drink plenty of water. Avoid processed food. Avoid sodas (so very bad for us, especially diet sodas). Reduce your sugar intake.

LAUGH - find reasons to laugh, make reasons to laugh. Stop taking things so seriously, enjoy your time on this beautiful Earth! Spend more time in nature, walk barefoot (shown to calm and ground us), garden...

Avoid the news. Don't fall into the pit of despair that the media likes to foist on us!

Accept the wisdom of the serenity prayer, regardless of your feelings about God & Spirit:

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."

(this is a tough one to learn, but if you can stop worrying about things you cannot change, you will be amazed at the release of stress you will feel!)

Drink herbal teas that are known to calm. Gentle ones are lemon balm, chamomile, lavendar or peppermint. Others that help but can be reactive with other meds include: valerian, kava or passionflower. These last 3 are too strong for me. Be careful. Consult your doctor or find a local naturopath.

Most important, LOVE YOURSELF! Face your emotions. Stop judging yourself (and others). Work to find a life balance.

I found a podcast from a therapist named Max Highstein and it has helped me enormously. You might find this useful.

Love yourself and feed your soul.

In love & light.

[WeStarStuff]

I suffered from this same tightness across my chest & throat for months this year (2014). I couldn't wear necklaces or any top that touched my chest or neck--v-neck only. I WAS MISERABLE FOR MONTHS. I thought my thyroid was the problem, or worse.

I researched this extensively and yes, found that there could be issues with the sternocleidomastoid muscle. I've been through physical therapy before and so has my husband. We were talking about posture and it's impact on our necks and he noted that he always sees me slouch. As we progressed in our understanding more, I decided to try something.

I STOPPED USING MY PILLOW TO SLEEP. INSTEAD, I USED A NECK ROLL. IN 3 DAYS THE TIGHTNESS WAS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED! I have used a neckroll for the past 6 weeks and the PAIN IS COMPLETELY GONE!

I started with a simple neckroll. I rolled a towel and slept on that. It was roughly 3 inches in diameter. I didn't sleep well at first, but I knew it was working. I moved to a small neck pillow which worked fine. I would recommend a CERVICAL SLEEP PILLOW. Many options are available and you should be able to buy a good one for less than $20 USD.

As you would expect, my body was adjusting as I slept. Therefore, I noticed increased tightness in my back, in the lumbar region and shoulder on the left side of my body. As the muscles in the front were relaxing, the ones in the back were reacting and tightening.

So, to compensate: simple reaches and stretches--arm up over your head gently reaching over (palm up & palm down). Clasp arms gently above your head and move gently feeling the muscles & where they are tight. Pull or push gently side to side as you move your arms further back. Anything that will stretch these muscles will help.

And a couple biggies: SIT LESS (sitting is SO bad for us!)  and when I sit, I (try to remember to) SIT UP STRAIGHT!  :) Even when using my computer, I stand (and move) as much as possible. Watch your ergonomics! Shoulders back, head up--so prop your computer up if you have to to keep the screen closer to eye level. The less you slouch, the more you will help your body! This pain will subside.

Please try this if you are able. I feel your pain because I felt your pain! During this time, I was miserable and afraid (it is such an ODD feeling!). Now I am free, I stand tall and I move more.

Please post if you have questions, concerns & if this helps you! Others need to know.

In love & light. We are all one.

[Jess732014]

I have the tightness in my throat/neck also and am also 40. I've had it for close to 5 years. It doesn't go away. I do have GERD, acid reflux and esophageal spasms which may contribute and a very tight sternocleidomastoid on the right. It's very uncomfortable when I stand or walk, especially when I walk and it gets worse the farther I walk. The pressure/tightness and sometimes throat pain is pretty harsh. I notice bad posture related to staring down at a computer or phone also makes it worse.
I'll pray for you all and will look in to the possible explanations mentioned here. Thanks.
God bless.

[ND22]

Hello Nichola. I know this is years after your post, but i have been feelign exactly the same as what you wrote, to the extent that reading your post made me feel that I was reading my own thoughts.

I wantedto ask you what happened? did the feelign eventally go? was it (god forbid) somethign serious? because I am freaking out, and everyone an=round me thinks its in my head. because dr's couldnt find anything .. and NO-ONE believes the doscomfort im feeling.

I would really appreciate hearing back from you.

[Despande]

Dear Paul


Please consult a homeopathic Doctor It will  help I think it is due to panic attacks and some depression

You May also Have the fullness of stomach gas which might not come out from above or bottom Treat with homeopathic pills It will be  comfort very soon
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after you are better  GOD BLESS YOU

[angelbaby696969]

I started having an odd sensation in the front of my neck a few weeks ago.  It started out happening a couple of times a day for a minute or two and has increased over time.  I just had my thyroid checked and it was fine so I was at a loss for the cause.  Last night was the worst it had been.  I was sitting up in bed and it was really uncomfortable.  My breathing and swallowing was not hampered and it is more of a pressure than a pain but it was starting to concern me.  I notice though that when I laid down it seemed to subside.  I saw the comment from ezmam about sternocledomastoid trigger points today while sitting at my desk.  I immediately squeezed those pressure points and the sensation went away.  I even felt a little pop in the sinus cavity near my ear. It appears that my issue is just muscle tension.  Thank you all for all your comments.  They really helped me to narrow down my particular problem.