People with thyroid diseases such as hyperthyroidism or goiter are likely to suffer from front neck pain. To know more about front neck muscle pain, read on...

Medically speaking, front neck pain may not be a serious condition as it seems but its symptoms are many times, unbearable. This is because, while consuming food or drinking water, the patient may experience radiating pain from the neck. Front neck pain can be an indication of underlying condition such as goiter. It is discussed below:

Causes

Thyroid Problems
Our neck contains a thyroid gland that produces hormones that help to maintain normal metabolic rate. This thyroid gland is basically situated in the front portion of the neck and so if anything goes wrong with the functioning of the thyroid gland, it is bound to manifest in the form of pain in front of the neck. Stiff neck and sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of throat infection.

Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which there is excess production of the thyroid hormones. In this condition, thyroid gland being hyperactive, produces hormones more than required. The most common symptoms related to hyperthyroidism, are headache and significant neck pain. Many times, swelling in the neck aggravates the neck discomfort. Hyperthyroidism is the main reasons behind front neck muscle pain.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs due to an under active thyroid gland. In this condition, the thyroid hormone is produced insufficiently and thus the thyroid gland is unable to fulfill the daily requirement of thyroid hormones, necessary for the proper functioning of various biological processes in the body. This malfunctioning of the thyroid gland can also cause severe pain. In some cases, the neck pain may move up to the ears and lead to the development of pressure in the ears.

Thyroid Cancer
Due to the presence of cancerous growths in the thyroid, one can feel a lump when touching the frontal portion of the neck. The neck area appears enlarged and having meals can be a daunting task because of the pain that accompanies while swallowing food.

Goiter
Goiter is a term used to describe the swelling of the thyroid gland. An enlarged thyroid gland can trigger pain in the frontal section of the neck while breathing or swallowing. The severity of symptoms depends upon the size of the goiter. A small degree of enlargement in the thyroid gland is generally a painless condition. However, large goiter does bring symptoms in the form of hoarseness in voice and neck pain. Iodine deficiencies or thyroid issues like hypothyroidism are some of the factors that cause goiter.

Throat infection
The most commonly occurring throat infection, strep throat can also bring front neck pain. This is basically a bacterial infection that causes neck discomfort in the form of painful inflammation in the throat.

Laryngitis
Laryngitis is a painful condition of the throat in which the voice box (larynx) is inflamed. Because of the inflammation of the voice box, the person may find it difficult to speak properly. The voice becomes hoarse and people affected with laryngitis may face difficulty swallowing food. Resulting from a viral infection, laryngitis is common in people suffering from common cold and seasonal flu.

Treatment

Medications
Medications will differ depending upon the type of thyroid condition. For instance, hypothyroidism that involves shortage of thyroid hormones is a condition that invokes taking prescription drugs such as levothyroxine. These medications actually supply this hormone and thus help to overcome this problem. Anti-thyroid medicines are commonly prescribed to treat hyperthyroidism. These medicines actually tries to correct the functioning of the thyroid gland, so that it produces hormone in normal amounts.

Front Neck Exercises
To strengthen and tighten the front neck muscles, a very effective exercise has been developed. In this form of exercise, whether you stand or sit, does not matter. The important thing is to stretch the neck muscles. Just move your head in the upward direction, until you see the ceiling. In this position, ensure that your tongue comes in contact with the roof of your mouth. This helps to stretch the neck muscles. Now, with your tongue touching the roof of your mouth, bring the head back to its original position. Repeat this procedure few times daily for strengthening the neck muscles.

Surgery
Usually, thyroid cancer can be detected in the initial stages. Diagnosing cancer when it has not spread and is localized, is easier to treat and chances of full recovery also increase dramatically. Surgical procedures that involve removal of the thyroid gland are often used to treat thyroid cancer. However, if the cancer has progressed to the advanced stage and is no more confined to the site from where it has originated, use of chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy is recommended.

In most cases, laryngitis resolves on its own without any medical treatment. Following simple self-care measures such as talking less and speaking only when necessary, provides the much-needed rest to your voice box. One should also avoid whispering as it puts excessive pressure on the vocal cords. Dry throat can worsen the pain and so make sure that you install a humidifier to keep the surrounding air most. Drinking plenty of water and gargling with salt water can also help to alleviate symptoms of laryngitis