Front Neck Pain

[RestoreHealth]

Hello,

I have a much longer story I would like to share at some point, but today I would like to focus on my current issue.

I have been experiencing front neck pain (right side only - near SCM muscle path) for about a week that has set off my nervous system and caused a lot of fear and anxiety. My fear is that the pain is being caused by an issue with my internal jugular vein (jugular compression, stenosis, thrombosis, etc.). I admit that I have had health anxiety issues in the past. I've also had neck issues for most of my adult life, but never in the front, which is also why my anxiety is so high currently.

I am not asking for specific medical advice, but opinions on whether this sounds like TMS. I would also like to learn more about specific exercises I can do to resolve this. I have all 4 of Dr. Sarno's e-books but admittedly did not take any specific actions after listening to them.

Events that happened prior to the onset of my latest symptom:

1. A good friend of mine had a spontaneous carotid artery dissection and has been in and out of hospitals dealing with serious symptoms. This gave me some anxiety as he is a a health young man, and regrettably I thought a lot about this and wondered if it could ever happen to me.
   
   
2. I have a lingering shoulder injury from weightlifting that seems to flare up when I lift. Possibly bursitis or impingement. It is on the same side as the neck i'm experiencing pain/pressure.
   
   
3. I experienced some numbness in right arm several times while sitting at my desk. Not completely numb but enough to cause some worry/anxiety.

I'm sure there is more to this but I cannot recall any other specific triggers other than what was mentioned.

I am in my late thirties if that has any significance. I am hesitant to seek out any Doctors' advice because of where it led me last time I had issues, and also because it can be difficult to properly diagnose an issue with the jugular veins. Going down that path could lead to more anxiety and therefore pain.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and any help is appreciated.

 

[JanAtheCPA]

I am hesitant to seek out any Doctors' advice because of where it led me last time I had issues, and also because it can be difficult to properly diagnose

Hi @RestoreHealth and welcome. Unfortunately, it would be negligent for anyone here to tell you that you have TMS unless you've been medically examined. This is on every page of the forum.

You should try to find a doctor who is informed about the mindbody connection, and be up front with that doctor about your fear, the fact that this started with your friend's diagnosis, and that you would be more than happy to be told that you are perfectly healthy and that your symptoms are the result of stress and anxiety.

As far as I'm concerned, any doctor who is not aware of the mindbody connection at this point should be sued for malpractice, because the neuroscientific research in the last decade or so is just too compelling to ignore.

Going down that path could lead to more anxiety and therefore pain.

It could. That's ultimately a choice that you can choose to reject.

While you make plans to be examined, it can't hurt to start the Structured Educational Program on the main TMSwiki.org website, because this work can have a profoundly positive impact on your well-being EVEN IF you have a medical condition. Having the skills to reduce fear and embrace recovery DOES have a profoundly positive impact - one which has been well-documented - upon the course of actual illness and injury.

You have nothing to lose. The SEP is free, it doesn't even require registration or any signup.