Can you pull a muscle in your throat

Discomfort tends to be highest in between beverages and meals. This is because the related muscles are relaxed to help you eat and drink. Also, symptoms of cricopharyngeal spasm tend to get worse throughout the day. Anxiety about the condition can aggravate your symptoms, too. Cricopharyngeal spasms occur within cricoid cartilage in your throat. This area is located right at the top of the esophagus and at the bottom of the pharynx. The UES is responsible for preventing anything, like air, from reaching the esophagus in between drinks and meals.

For this reason, the UES is constantly contracting to prevent air flow and stomach acids from reaching the esophagus.

This results in notable spasms. These types of spasms may be alleviated with simple home remedies. Changes to your eating habits are perhaps the most promising solution. By eating and drinking small amounts throughout the day, your UES may be in a more relaxed state for longer. This is compared with eating a couple of large meals throughout the day. Drinking an occasional glass of warm water may have similar effects. Breathing techniques , guided meditation, and other relaxing activities may help.

For persistent spasms, your doctor may prescribe diazepam Valium or another type of muscle relaxant. Valium is used to treat anxiety, but it may also be helpful in calming stress related to throat spasms when taken temporarily. Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug, may also alleviate symptoms. In addition to home remedies and medications, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist. They can help you learn neck exercises to relax hypercontractions.

According to Laryngopedia, the symptoms of cricopharyngeal spasm tend to resolve on their own after around three weeks.

The larynx, vocal cords or voice box all refer to the front part of your throat that allows speaking and plays a role in breathing and swallowing. The first sign of laryngeal cancer is often a swollen lymph node. The pharynx is a passageway at the back of the throat that connects the nasal cavity to the esophagus. Symptoms of pharyngeal cancer can resemble cancer in the larynx with soreness on one side, a lump, ear pain and difficulty swallowing. Cancer in the nasopharynx — the top part of the throat closer to the nasal cavity — often is noticed first as a swollen lymph node in the neck and can cause a stuffy nose, nosebleeds and hearing loss.

At the bottom of the throat, the hypopharynx moves food from the throat to the esophagus. Cancer in this area can cause difficulty swallowing. Same-day appointments for newly diagnosed patients and access to innovative clinical trials are reasons more cancer patients in the Louisville area choose Norton Cancer Institute than any other oncology provider. Toggle navigation. Pain in the front of your neck: When to worry. Our Doctors.

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Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you. Find a Location. Tests and Treatments for Muscle Tension Dysphonia. Comprehensive Voice Evaluation We will examine your head, neck, and larynx voice box as part of a comprehensive voice evaluation.

Videolaryngostroboscopy This detailed visual exam helps us evaluate how your vocal cords vibrate while you speak or sing.