Increased pulse

[jimmieboy]

I recently went to the doctor's office. My blood pressure was OK that day but my pulse was 117. The doctor placed his two fingers on my neck and applied a great amount of pressure. He said that it was supposed to slow down the heart rate. Is this a proper procedure. I am asking because I have a neck injury that has become worse. I am seeking morphine for pain. He has been beating around the bush. I receive SSD because of my disbility and ia go to the Veteran's Medical Center. Please let me know if the doctor acted properly in appling pressure on my neck. Thank you for your kind consideration.

[JoshuaY46013]

The Carotid Sinus Massage is a really good technique to use when trying to lower your heart rate, your doctor acted correctly if that is what he was trying to do.  What kind of neck injury do you have?  Do you see another doctor?  If your disability causes you pain and you receive SSDI for it, why aren't you getting pain medication already?  Do you tell him that you are "seeking morphine for pain"?  

If he's "beating" around the bush he is probably trying to find ways to control the pain without giving opioid pain medications.  Opioid medications aren't generally first line of treatment for most conditions!

[Shellshocker]

I agree with everything that Molly wrote!  The one thing I can add is look up "Carotid massage".  That is most likely the procedure he was using to lower your heart rate.  

[Mollyrae]

Hello jimmieboy and welcome to the forum:

There are a number of ways a Doctor can help lower your Heart Rate and I have heard of that one. I can also have a tendancy for a fast heart rate but much faster than yours. When mine gets to around 170 or higher, I must bare down as if I were to have a bowl movement. This will generally lower the heart rate. If not, then medical attention is required.

Doctors are trained for these types of problems. Did your heart rate come down?
Did your Doctor know about the neck injury? Is he the one who provides you with Pain medicaion? All these questions come into play in treating your condition.

I feel that if you have questions about his actions in treating your heart rate, you should get a second opinion on your question.

My Best,
Mollyrae