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Pain When Swallowing

Pain When Swallowing Treatment in CT & NY

The experience of feeling pain when swallowing can be unnerving. Trying to find the cause of this pain can be difficult.

Understanding the Pain You Feel

Pain felt when swallowing usually comes on suddenly. What triggers this pain is sometimes a mystery that is difficult to solve. Some people have related the pain to a meal that they ate hours before the pain started. Others remember a strenuous physical activity, such as moving furniture, that seemed to trigger the pain when they swallow. This pain when swallowing has been associated with problems of the esophagus, muscle strain, and muscle spasms.

Possible Causes of Pain in the Back & Neck When Swallowing

What causes pain in the back and neck? Often back and neck pain is misdiagnosed as acid reflux disease or some other digestive malady. Because of the location and nature of pain when swallowing, it is most likely the musculoskeletal system of the body. Some common causes include:

  • Pulled muscles
  • A pinched nerve
  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Injury to the trapezius muscle

What Can Be Done to Ease the Pain?

This type of neck and back pain can be difficult to ease with just simple home and over-the-counter remedies. It is best to contact a healthcare professional if pain persists longer than 2 or 3 days.

Preparing to Discuss Your Symptoms with Your Health Care Professional

You can expect to have some medical testing done. This may include a laryngoscopy, a barium swallow, or a GI series. Some questions your health care professional may ask you are:

  • Is the pain felt only when you swallow?
  • When did the pain start?
  • Is the pain getting worse?
  • Did the pain start after any type of physical activity?

Are you ready for a consultation? Contact one of our offices. We will schedule an appointment and help you ease the pain that you are experiencing.