Cricopharyngeal spasm

Signs and symptoms

• Sensation of a 'lump' in the back of the throat
• Throat feels swollen
• Discomfort - Lump can often feel quite big and pain is occasional
• Symptoms normally worse in the evening
• Stress aggravates the symptoms
• Saliva is difficult to swallow, yet food is easy to swallow - eating, in fact, often makes the tightness go away for a time
• 'Lump' sensation comes and goes from day to day
• Symptoms can persist for very long periods, often several months.
• The symptoms can be mimicked by pushing on the cartilage in the neck, just below the Adam's apple

  Causes

Physiology

Diagnosis

Treatment

• Botox injections may temporarily disable the muscle and provide relief for 3-4 months per injection
• Muscle relaxants
• * Lorazepam, diazepam and other benzodiazepines relax the smooth muscle in the throat, slowing or halting contractions. In some people, benzodiazepines may have addictive properties.
• Stress reduction
• * High stress levels make these spasms more noticeable
• * It is advisable to take note of when your symptoms are at their worst
• Warm fluids
• * Hot fluids may be helpful for some people with cricopharyngeal spasm
• Tricyclic anti-depressants, taken in small doses, have been having positive results recently, according to the Cleveland Clinic.