OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Discomfort: My Ongoing Hyoid Bone Issues

Summary: As a 32-year-old female, I've been struggling with an abnormal hyoid bone that pops during swallowing and neck movements, leading to persistent discomfort and disruption in my daily life. Despite exploring various treatment options, I find myself at a loss and am seeking advice. In 2019, I awoke to a troubling issue: my hyoid bone started to act erratically. Each time I swallow or move my head, a popping sound emerges, occurring on both sides of my neck. It feels as if the hyoid is colliding with surrounding structures, and at times, this leads to excruciating pain, particularly when it's pinched. For instance, such a pinch can generate sharp, intense sensations radiating through my face, neck, and chest, lasting for days. Choking episodes while eating or even swallowing saliva are frequent, especially when my head is in motion. Additionally, the muscles around my hyoid are consistently swollen and tender, while my neck remains stiff and sore. Even during sleep, I experience choking that wakes me up coughing and gasping for breath. The discomfort makes resting difficult because the pressure from lying down exacerbates the misalignment of my hyoid. The only position that somewhat alleviates the popping is looking upwards and tilting my chin back, though it still happens occasionally. Others can feel the popping sensation by gently pressing on my throat as I swallow, yet I cannot reposition it or alleviate the issue, even temporarily. I have consulted numerous specialists, including ENT doctors, orthopedic professionals, physical therapists, and massage therapists. Thankfully, we ruled out various injuries and conditions, including Eagle’s syndrome, and all blood tests have come back normal. One ENT suggested that the problem would resolve itself naturally, but it hasn’t; the popping is incessant. Another physician advised that I would need to learn to cope with it. While that might be true, managing the unrelenting pain and choking episodes is daunting. Unfortunately, many health professionals appear unsure about addressing this concern. I’ve found some temporary relief through methods like massages, ibuprofen, lidocaine patches, and muscle relaxants, yet none eliminate the popping itself. Eventually, I was referred to an ENT with expertise in this area. He indicated that my problem might stem from injury, weight changes, or age, and noted that my hyoid bone is slightly longer than average, although he doubted this was a primary factor. He mentioned the possibility of shaving it down, but raised concerns about it potentially worsening my swallowing issues, so I declined that route. He attempted steroid injections into the hyoid muscles to reduce inflammation and pain, claiming some patients experience lasting relief. Unfortunately, I did not find success, as the negative side effects outweighed any benefits. Although he recommended physical therapy, which I have been pursuing, the relief achieved has only been fleeting. One physical therapist even told me I have a low threshold for discomfort, suggesting that everyone feels some pain as they age, which is frustrating to hear. I feel as though I’ve exhausted all options, and the situation is driving me to the brink. With every year that passes, my quality of life and financial situation seem to deteriorate due to this ailment. I’m reaching out to see if anyone on Reddit has faced similar experiences and what has worked for them. The posts I’ve encountered often link to conditions like hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), or TMJ disorders, which is why I’m seeking input from these communities. Has anyone experienced similar popping? Were you able to find relief? I appreciate any advice or recommendations. Additional Information: I have several friends diagnosed with EDS, prompting discussions with my primary care doctor. After performing the Brighton test, I received a score of 2, leading us to believe that EDS is not the underlying issue. While I can effortlessly bend my thumbs to my forearm, my joints generally do not hyperextend, and I have never been able to touch my toes, even during my childhood or while participating in competitive sports. Stiffness and a lack of flexibility have always characterized my physicality. However, I can partially dislocate my wrists and ankles, and although my left side is more affected, I can do this at will depending on how pressure is applied. A few years back, I sought medical attention due to frequent tripping, and I remember a training PA exclaiming how loose my joints felt, much to the dismay of his supervisor. I can also pop my wrists and elbows, similar to cracking knuckles, and there is slight laxity in my elbows, noticeable mostly when I shake my arms. In childhood, I could move my kneecap freely, but as I matured, the discomfort made me stop, and it seems some of that earlier laxity has diminished, though I can still pop my kneecap. I had a cousin with EDS, but I understand the significance of genetics is not absolute. Additionally, I grapple with idiopathic hypersomnia, diagnosed in 2012, which I likely had for much longer. Initially labeled as borderline narcolepsy type 2, it’s now more accurately diagnosed as idiopathic hypersomnia. I tend to react oddly to medications, experiencing various side effects. Stimulants, whether from coffee, tea, or prescribed medications, fail to have any effect, only causing headaches and dizziness. I also have a history of waking during routine medical procedures that required anesthesia. Sleep-related issues also include grinding my teeth, a habit I've had since childhood. While the popping does not seem linked directly to this habit, there are flare-ups of both conditions independent of each other. Yet, when my jaw is particularly tight from grinding, the pops are noticeably more painful. This connection has been addressed with all my ENTs and sleep specialists, yet none show concern about its contribution to my current issues.

Answers (1)

2/5/2026, 5:21:06 AM

OpenHealth AI

The discomfort you're experiencing with your hyoid bone, including symptoms like popping, pain, and choking, sounds very challenging and understandably affects your quality of life. It's commendable that you've sought various specialists and treatments. Since you're seeking advice, let's focus on manageable steps to alleviate some of your discomfort while considering your diagnosed issues and overall health.

Main Points

1. Manage Muscle Tension: Address the muscle strain around the hyoid.
2. Explore Physical Therapy Techniques: Specific exercises or therapies may further help.
3. Consider Sleep Positioning: Improve sleep hygiene to minimize choking and discomfort.

Explanation

The popping and discomfort around the hyoid bone can be related to muscle tension, structural irregularities, or issues like TMJ, which you've already touched on. The popping sound itself can stem from interactions with nearby muscular and connective structures. Your chronic pain and hypersomnia complicate the situation but also guide your self-care approach.

Given your symptoms, it’s crucial to focus on relieving muscle tension, which can exacerbate the popping and pain. Additionally, considering adaptations in your daily routine and sleep environment can help mitigate choking and pain episodes.

Next Steps

1. Muscle Relaxation:

   • Heat Therapy: Apply a warm compress to the neck region before bed to relax muscles.
   • Gentle Stretching: Incorporate gentle neck stretches into your routine (e.g., tilting your head slowly side to side) to enhance flexibility without causing pain.

2. Targeted Physical Therapy:

   • Discuss specific modalities with your physical therapist, such as myofascial release or dry needling. These techniques might provide deeper relief.
   • Investigate techniques like craniosacral therapy, which some individuals find helpful for resolving chronic tension.

3. Sleep Hygiene Adjustments:

   • Repositioning: Experiment with sleep positions to minimize pressure on your neck (consider using a specialized neck pillow).
   • Stay Elevated: Keep your upper body elevated with pillows to alleviate choking during sleep.

4. Jaw and Neck Care:

   • If you notice more pain correlating with teeth grinding, consult with a dentist about a nighttime bite guard. It can help reduce tension in your jaw that may lead to increased discomfort.

5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

   • Explore practices like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to manage pain perception and reduce stress-related muscle tension.

While you've encountered many challenges, adjusting your overall approach to managing symptoms could yield some relief. It's essential to keep an ongoing dialogue with your healthcare team about any new techniques you are trying and how they impact your overall situation. Please let me know if you would like further details on any of these suggestions.