I just accidently found this site and noticed that there was an MS forum. I have MS and was wondering if anyone here has a problem with their throat being very stiff, tight, inside and out and under the front of the neck. Neck muscles get so tired when I talk they really hurt. Also have some trouble swallowing. This, of course along with many other MS problems. Thanks.

Hi "BB" and WELCOME to the group!! I'm glad you stumbled upon us -- very appropriate! I'm not sure this is the same thing you have, but my throat, "voice", gets really tired when I talk. This is one of the reasons I don't like to talk on the phone very much. It's a hard thing for others without MS to understand.

Also have some difficulty swallowing and take forever to eat. Do you have trouble with liquids? Seems like they so easily go down the wrong way.

Hope you stick around to compare notes with all the great people here!

|Swallowing and eating:
-I find talking difficult so try not to talk or hurry during meals. Easier at my solitary lunch meal, more difficult at Dinner with family and/or friends.

-there are things available at pharmacy to add to liquids to thicken them. Once in awhile enjoy Apricot Nectar, a naturally thick juice.

- Leaning forward while swallowing helps close off tube to lungs so choking is lessened.


When I try to eat with "normal" people at their pace, I run into difficulties.When with others I tend to eat less, finishing earlie. Think I'd be thin by now! 8-D

- When I must call on phone (bills, etc.) chew Mist gum, a hydrating gum or else I dry up.

Hi BadBrain

I think I get what you are talking about. I had an instance a couple of months ago when it felt like my throat was just closing up. It was like pressure and tightness just below my voice box. Like someone was squeezing my vocal chords - and all around my neck. It reminded me of the sensation you have when you hung upside down too long on the monkey bars as a kid.

Pressure became pain over the next couple of hours. Then I started to get palpitations and upper chest pain. It was difficult to breathe as I couldn't seem to get a full breath without pain. I couldn't sit up straight, I couldn't lay down, it hurt too much.

I had a range of tests to make sure it wasn't my heart that was behaving badly. Everything came up fine in tests.

My neurologist said that since everything else had been excluded (heart, thyroid etc) he thought MS must have been the cause. He said it was likely that it started out as an MS hug and then anxiety took over and that probably caused the palpitations and pain.

I eat very slowly too, and often choke on liquids (gong down the wrong way)

Have you been checked out for thyroid problems? I believe that can also cause the symptoms you are talking about - of course, I am not a doctor so I don't really know. Would pay to get it checked out.

Cheers and I hope you are feeling better soon.

Lyn

Could be problems with the muscles of the throat and the epiglottis, which closes the trachea when you swallow food/liquids. I have instances when I choke, esp on liquids.
The tightness could be due to this, or to anxiety. It could also be due to reflux, acid regurgitation into the throat.
It is a good idea to check with your doc...just to make sure it isn't this. You can take Nexium or Prilosec for reflux and it might help, but you should see your doc just to make sure.

And welcome!!

Welcome BB, good to have you here.

Yes, Yes and Yes to the throat problems. With me they seem to come and go at will. Usually when I'm the most tired.

Come on back and join the Family and feel better soon..

Welcome BB!

It sounds similar to what I've experienced. Sometimes I would feel it in the neck muscles, but worse was the throat and tongue. Chewing was a chore, swallowing was iffy, speaking was exhausting. My tongue would feel thick and tired. (How do you explain to someone your tongue is tired ). It would come and go so it never qualified as a "flare." Lucky for me as it seemed to get worse it coincided with some more severe issues, and the IV push seemed to do the trick.

Of course, there are always 100 other things that can cause MS symptoms. I still don't know when to call the doctor (that's why I come here ) But in this case, I agree with the others here...see yours.

Good luck, hope you feel better soon.

I have the same swallowing issues as some of the others. Even water makes me start to cough.

I have problems sometimes with eating and it going down the wrong pipe then I spend hours coughing and gagging. I also get the tight neck and throat muscles often after eating. Lately its been giving me headaches too. Ive not been diagnosed with MS but am seeing a neurologist because my MRI showed signs and I have many crazy symptoms. I just wish I could find the right doctor so they stop treating me like Im a hypochondriac who enjoys spending my time and money in doctor offices....sorry for the rant its so frustrating.

Hi Jeannie

Nice to meet you. Lots of us have been labelled as 'hypochondriacs' and totally understand the frustration of where you are coming from. I hope that find a great doctor - and get some answers about what is happening to you. Welcome to the group - there are so many wonderful and supportive people here to help you with your diagnostic journey.

Regards

Lyn