Question
Hey, I would like to thank you in advance for your time.  I am a 27 yr. old female.  Medication currently taking Zrytec D, Nasonex, Wellburtin XL, Xanax (on occassion), multi-vitamin along w/ numerous supplements, birth control pills and sometimes Advil.  I drink once a week and ex-smoker.  Diagnosed with TMJ, suppose to wear a splint every night but after tonsillectomy, it doesn't seem to fit right anymore.  Recently getting over anxiety/panic/OCD attacks -disorders.  Huge fear of cancer - grandmother died of Ovarian cancer 2 yrs. ago.  Had a tonsillectomy one month ago due to chronic tonsillitis.  I do frequently pop my neck, back, fingers and wrists but lately it seems like its more harder to pop my neck and back.  My problem and I am not sure if I should go to my chiropractor or Ear, Nose and Throat doctor or give it a few days or weeks....

Yesterday while at work, which is a computer/desk job -I realized as I was leaving to go home that when I swallowed some water, I had this weird sensation (seemed to appeared out of no where) on the right back side of my neck more toward where my back and right shoulder meet (I don't remember straining or pulling any muscles).  It doesn't really hurt or cause any pain and I have no problems at all swallowing and no pain when swallowing, just a weird sensation type of feeling on the right back side of my neck, almost like a muscle is cramped up or stuck (hard to describe). I don't feel sick or anything. NO weight loss, no sore throat, no nausea and no dizzyness.  When I bend my head down, I can feel it (my neck) stretching down my back and right shoulder.  Does this sound like a common thing and if so what can I do to help my neck?  Or could there be something seriously wrong with me? I just didn't know if this was considered a "common" problem within your line of work or if I should go to my ENT doctor since I do have a fear of cancer.  I did have a barium swallow last December - had a lump in throat sensation - results were normal, nothing wrong - sensation was from anxiety.  Plus I think that my ENT doctor would have noticed if something where wrong while he and the anthesialogist were in my mouth and putting tubes down my throat during my tonsillectomy.  Please advise - I am trying not to freak out.  THank you

Answer
If you do have a chiropractor, then I would suggest continuing care, even if you are seeing other docs for other concerns. Chiropractic addresses the whole body by affecting the nervous system. Now to your neck complaint. I've heard of things like this before. Do you sleep with a fan on, or was there a draft in the room where you slept? Sometimes that can cause torticollis, which feels like a pulled or tight muscle. Chiropractic adjustments are very effective for that. If you went to the EENT and they suspected something, they'd probably make you go throught that lovely barium swallow again. I'd give your chiro a try first, and maybe talk to someone about your apparent fear of cancer.

Hope this helps!