What Causes Tightness On The Front Of The Neck?

Posted on Thu, 20 Feb 2014

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

Thu, 20 Feb 2014 Answered on

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I occasionally get tightness on the front of my neck on the left side. I am 58 years old, male, and have heart disease history in my family. I try to pay attention to what goes on with my health. I dont have pain or any trouble breathing when i have this condition. Sort of feels like muscle contraction...

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Possible muscular-skeletal problem... Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for sharing your concern with HCM. I have read your medical history and do not see anything worrisome. I am happy that you are doing regular exercise and schedule annual medical check-ups. The occasional tightness you feel on the front of your neck on the left side goes more to a muscle contraction as long as you are not reporting any other medical issues. I advise to : - apply warm clothing to the pain area - keep the neck muscles and joints exercised - do not fix the neck and head in one position only - apply analgesic cream locally - take oral pain killers If the pain will get persistent and intolerable, I suggest to consult with your physician and to run further tests including cardiac tests, thyroid tests/ultrasound, neck X-ray for further evaluation. Hope it was of help! Dr.Albana

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