What Causes Pain In The Side Of Neck?

Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 Answered on

Tue, 7 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Lately I can get sharp quick bursts of pain in my right side of my neck while running. Usually 1-2 then I can keep running. Lately it seems to be a constant pain near trachea while running. I am 45. Good shape an have had every cardiac preventive test. All good. On HBP meds and Lipitor. I drink 7,8 units a night and I think this feels alcohol related and adrenalin induced.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely to be reflux related.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. These sharp pains are common on exertion and there are many causes.

2. In your case the most likely cause is reflux.

3. Get a videolaryngoscopy done to check for signs of relux. Upload the video or images.

4. Request a trial with other alternatives to omeprazole such as rabeprazole. Add a gut motility enhancer sucha s domperidone or levosulpiride for a couple of weeks.

5. Do not exercise or run for at least 4-6 hours after a heavy meal.

6. Check for mouth breathing (nasal obstruction), temperature and humidity readings in the area, nasal mucus and post nasal drip, and stop tobacco use.
Get a neck USG (Ultrasound), a Chest X-ray and routine blood tests done.
Reassess your need for Liptor and other medication to minimize side effects that may be adding to these sensations.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (43 minutes later)

Not sure what happened or if I hit submit on my follow up? Please advise if you did not receive the follow up where I am asking questions about why this seems to give me heart palpitations as well. I have had those in the past and I think it's probably panic and alcohol related because these pains run down and do your sternum almost to make you think you might have a heart attack

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
These are common symptoms. Re-evaluate and medicate, should bring relief.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. No, I did not receive the detailed follow up query, just your latest message.

2. Yes, the heart palpitations are usually panic and alcohol (more gastritis) related as the same Cranial Nerve (Vagus Nerve or Tenth Cranial Nerve) supplies these structures.

3. These episodes feel similar to the sensations of a heart attack, but then they subside, which goes against cardiac problems. Repeat testing and medication will help rule out and treat this problem.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar