Persistent Neck Pain Five Months After Choking Incident?
I’m a 40-year-old woman, and I have been grappling with chronic neck pain for the past five months since my estranged husband assaulted me by strangulation. This wasn’t an isolated incident; it has happened before. Ever since that event, I've experienced a peculiar sensation of something 'rolling' in my neck, accompanied by discomfort whenever I attempt to turn my head to the sides. It often feels as if there's pressure against my windpipe, creating a snapping or popping sound each time I move my neck. The constant sensation is akin to having my neck feel "full" and the pain is relentless. My recent doctor examined me and conducted an x-ray, which showed no abnormalities, leaving him puzzled about the source of my discomfort. Unfortunately, he didn’t explore further options and shifted the discussion to my gallbladder, which has gallstones. His demeanor has often felt rushed, making me feel like I wasn't given ample time to voice my concerns. Currently, I can't afford to consult another physician for a second opinion. What could be the underlying issue with my neck? Given that the x-ray results were normal, should I still be concerned?
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 8:10:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your situation, and it's understandable to be concerned about your persistent neck pain and the sensations you're experiencing. The ongoing pain, discomfort, and sounds when moving your neck following a traumatic event can have various underlying causes, including muscle strain, ligament damage, nerve involvement, or even a psychological response to trauma.
Explanation
Strangulation can lead to soft tissue injuries or even affect the muscles and ligaments in your neck. Sometimes, injuries may not show up on an x-ray because these scans primarily reveal bone-related issues. Your discomfort and the feeling of pressure or something 'rolling' in your neck could indicate muscular tension, spasms, or even potential damage to the nerves in that region. The popping or snapping sounds can be due to various factors, such as air bubbles in the joints or ligaments moving over bones.
Given your history and the current situation, it's important to remain vigilant but also take proactive steps to manage your symptoms.
Next Steps
-
Gentle Stretching and Movement: Start incorporating gentle neck stretches and mobility exercises. This can help improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension. Try slowly turning your neck side to side or tilting your head forward and backward, ensuring that you do this without forcing any movements.
-
Heat Therapy: Apply a warm compress or heating pad to your neck for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Heat can help relax tight muscles and alleviate discomfort.
-
Relaxation Techniques: Stress may contribute to muscle tension. Consider practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to help you relax.
-
Pain Management: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help with pain and swelling, if you're able to use them safely. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage.
-
Keep a Symptom Journal: Track your symptoms, including any changes in pain intensity, what triggers the discomfort, and any relief techniques that work. This documentation can be valuable if you are able to see a healthcare provider in the future.
-
Look for Support: If you're feeling overwhelmed by your situation, consider seeking support from local groups or hotlines that specialize in helping survivors of violence. Emotional healing is as important as physical healing.
While your x-ray results may show no abnormalities, it's important to listen to your body and continue to monitor your symptoms. If things worsen or you develop new symptoms, please seek care as soon as you can. Remember, it’s okay to advocate for your health and seek a comprehensive assessment when possible.
Related Questions
Persistent Discomfort on the Right Side of My Back and Ribs
I've been experiencing a continuous dull ache located in the middle right part of my back, extending to the lower right section of my ribcage. This sensation is more bothersome than painful, particularly concentrated in a small region. The discomfort tends to appear after I eat but fades away eventually. This has been ongoing for about one to two months, coinciding with some weight gain (I am 163 cm tall, weigh 83 kg, and I'm 22 years old). Although I can't help but worry about the possibility of pancreatic cancer given my family's medical history, I wonder if my weight might simply be a contributing factor.
Tender Lump Behind My Ear: What Could It Be?
Hello everyone, I'm a 25-year-old female, and this morning while putting in my earrings, I discovered a sore bump located near the back of my ear. It’s situated right above a mole, where my ear connects to my head. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could this be a lymph node or possibly a pimple?
Seeking Insight on Intermittent Ear Pain – Desperate for Advice
Hello! I’m a 29-year-old woman in good health, without any known medical issues or medications to consider. I did have ear infections throughout my childhood, which occurred about three to four times a year; I mention this as it might be relevant. Lately, I have been suffering from intense pain in my ears, predominantly in the left one, which appears sporadically. Typically, I first notice it each morning, but on occasion, it jolts me awake during the night, particularly when I’m lying on the affected ear. Sometimes using headphones appears to trigger the discomfort, although there are rare instances when it arises unexpectedly. The pain most often strikes my left ear, and upon waking, I brace myself for the agony I know is coming. Initially, it presents as a dull throb, but it escalates swiftly into what feels like a deep, sharp stabbing sensation. It radiates across the side of my neck and head, making everything feel stiff. It even feels as though the skin or perhaps the lymph nodes near my ear have hardened significantly. The intensity of the discomfort is so overwhelming that turning my head causes tears to stream down my face—not because I cannot move, but due to the agony. I often sit in agony for about an hour, crying until the pain gradually subsides, which usually takes several hours. This is undoubtedly the worst pain I have ever encountered, and over-the-counter pain relievers do nothing to alleviate it. Once the pain finally diminishes, my ear and the corresponding side of my neck feel peculiar for the remainder of the day, leaving me utterly drained. These episodes may occur twice monthly, sometimes more or less frequently. Today, following a particularly rough start, I find myself feeling incredibly hopeless. I consulted with an ENT specialist who suggested that I might be grinding my teeth at night, dismissing it as something that would likely resolve on its own. He couldn’t identify any visible issues during the examination, as the pain often doesn’t manifest during medical visits. Given that this symptom has persisted for years, I can’t help but believe it’s not normal to endure such suffering. Therefore, I’m turning to this community for any insights, tips, or experiences you could share. I greatly appreciate any advice and hope I haven’t overlooked anything in my description.
Seeking Insights on My MRI Results
I am a 37-year-old woman experiencing significant hip discomfort that has persisted for two years. In 2022, I underwent a cervical biopsy, and while the results indicated I was negative for HPV, there was a suggestion of cervicitis. I recently began seeing a new physician who recommended an MRI scan. I am scheduled to return for the official interpretation of the results this Saturday. In the meantime, I wanted to share a few findings that have piqued my interest. Is there any possibility that I could be dealing with endometriosis?
Post-Vasectomy Concerns: Bruising, Groin Pain—Is This Normal?
Age: 42 Gender: Male Height: 5'9'' Weight: 190 lbs Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of Symptoms: 5 days (Surgery date: 2nd) Affected Area: Groin Pre-existing Medical Conditions: None Current Medications: Prescribed Welbutrin for depression, alongside 1000 mg of Tylenol twice daily and 600 mg of Ibuprofen three times a day during meals. I have shared some recent photos (not safe for work, of course). The surgical site is understandably tender. However, the most bothersome sensation is the sharp pain that feels as though a string is tightly wrapped around my left testicle, especially noticeable with movement. When I am seated or reclining, the pain lessens considerably. Although my condition hasn't deteriorated, it also hasn't improved. I'm a bit anxious regarding the appearance of the stitching from the procedure; it doesn’t seem quite right to me. Is this what I should expect to see? If this is normal, then I’m okay with that. After I sent photos to the surgeon, I received a response indicating, “It appears you have a certain level of hematoma, which is typical and should resolve over time. You might experience additional discomfort for the next 2-3 weeks. Please continue wearing your jockstrap, and applying heat can help alleviate some discomfort.” I’m looking for some reassurance that my current symptoms will subside shortly, as I’m due to return to work in 4 days. Additionally, I would appreciate your opinions about the stitching. Thank you! I’ve been consistently wearing a jockstrap around the clock, only taking it off for showers. I alternate between two to keep everything sanitary. I’ve also been intermittently applying ice to the area.