I have experienced chronic neck pain for 28+ years. I have had a symptom that my chroinc pain doctor can't explain. During a meal, about the time digestion kicks in, my pain doubles. This usually results in taking my breakthrough pain meds. My physcian stated that the only thing she can think of is that possibly the endorphins that regulate my pain are being diverted to aid digestion. Has anyone experienced this symptom?

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

Eating typically raises release of adrenal steroids, which can make pain feel better, not worse.

Eating also raises insulin levels, and this can be inflammatory if you have an inflammatory component in your pain. If the meal is high in sugar/starches the insulin response would be greater.

Try this... drink one meal in liquid form-- say a high protein smoothie. No chewing... see if you get the same increased pain response. If you don't, then I'd look to the throat/jaw to see if your pain is coming from there and referring to the neck.

Something wrong with the esophageal sphincter, or heart can also refer to the neck, and upper back area.