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Cricopharyngeal spasms are a rare condition that occurs when the cricopharyngeal muscle in the throat tightens more than it should, causing a painful and harmless lump in the throat. While the exact cause of these spasms is often unknown, they can be caused by acid reflux, neurological issues, inflammatory conditions, or stress and anxiety. They can also occur after an accident or disease. In some cases, muscle injury may contribute to cricopharyngeal spasms, particularly if the injury affects the throat or neck muscles. Treatment options include medications, botox injections, counselling, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy.
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What You'll Learn
Cricopharyngeal spasms are caused by muscle hypercontraction
Cricopharyngeal spasms occur when the cricopharyngeal muscle in the throat tightens excessively, resulting in a harmless yet uncomfortable sensation. This muscle, also known as the upper oesophageal sphincter (UES), is situated at the top of the oesophagus and functions to regulate food and liquid intake. While it is normal for this muscle to contract, hypercontraction can occur, leading to cricopharyngeal spasms.
The UES is a circular muscle that acts as a "valve" or "gateway" between the throat and oesophagus. During swallowing, the UES momentarily relaxes to allow food or liquid to pass through. However, in a hypercontraction state, the muscle contracts more than it should, resulting in noticeable spasms. These spasms can cause a feeling of choking or a lump in the throat, known as globus pharyngeus.
Several factors can contribute to cricopharyngeal spasms. Acid reflux, GERD, neurological issues, and inflammatory conditions are possible underlying causes. Additionally, stress and anxiety can aggravate the symptoms. In some cases, throat spasms may occur after an accident, disease, or as a result of hereditary factors. While cricopharyngeal spasms usually resolve on their own, they can cause significant distress if left untreated for an extended period.
To diagnose cricopharyngeal spasms, healthcare providers conduct a physical examination, review the patient's medical history, and may perform an upper endoscopy or manometry test to assess muscle function during swallowing. Treatment options include medications such as acid reflux medications, muscle relaxants, and botox injections. Physical therapy, counselling, and relaxation techniques are also recommended to manage stress and reduce muscle tension.
In summary, cricopharyngeal spasms are caused by muscle hypercontraction, specifically the over-contraction of the cricopharyngeal muscle in the throat. This condition can lead to uncomfortable sensations and is often treated through a combination of medications and therapeutic interventions.
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They can be treated with medication, therapy or surgery
Cricopharyngeal spasms are harmless but can cause uncomfortable symptoms. They occur when the cricopharyngeal muscle in your throat tightens more than it should, which can make it feel like you're choking. While cricopharyngeal spasms often go away on their own, there are treatments available to help manage symptoms, including medication, therapy, and surgery.
Medication
If cricopharyngeal spasms are related to acid reflux, GERD, or similar conditions, medications such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed. Muscle relaxants, such as diazepam (Valium) or Xanax, can also be used to treat anxiety and calm stress-related throat spasms.
Therapy
Physical therapy can help ease symptoms by teaching you how to relax the affected muscles. A physical therapist may show you neck exercises to relax hypercontractions, such as neck stretching and jaw protrusion exercises. They may also recommend mindfulness, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
Surgery
In rare cases, surgery may be required to treat cricopharyngeal spasms. During this procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in the cricopharyngeal muscle to help it relax.
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Symptoms include a choking sensation and throat pain
Cricopharyngeal spasms occur when the cricopharyngeal muscle in the throat tightens more than it should. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as a choking sensation and the feeling of a lump in the throat. While these spasms are harmless, they can be distressing and worrying, especially if left undiagnosed.
The cricopharyngeal muscle, also known as the upper oesophageal sphincter (UES), is located at the top of the oesophagus and is responsible for preventing anything, like air or stomach acids, from reaching the oesophagus between meals or drinks. During swallowing, the muscle relaxes momentarily to let food or liquid pass through. However, in people with cricopharyngeal spasms, this muscle contracts too much and/or too tightly, resulting in a hypercontraction state.
Symptoms of cricopharyngeal spasms include a choking sensation and throat pain or discomfort. Individuals with this condition may describe a persistent sensation of something stuck in their throat, like a "wad of phlegm" or a "golf ball", which they cannot swallow or dislodge. They might also experience throat constriction or a feeling of a foreign body in the throat, often causing anxiety and distress. The symptoms tend to worsen throughout the day and during stressful situations but improve when eating or drinking due to the relaxation of the muscle during swallowing.
While cricopharyngeal spasms usually resolve on their own within about three weeks, they can cause significant discomfort and anxiety. Treatment options include medications such as acid reflux medications, muscle relaxants, and botox injections. Additionally, physical therapy, counselling, and relaxation techniques like meditation can help manage stress-related symptoms. In rare cases, surgery may be required if other treatments are ineffective.
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They are harmless but can cause distress if undiagnosed
Cricopharyngeal spasms are harmless but can cause distress if left undiagnosed. They occur when the cricopharyngeal muscle in the throat tightens more than it should, resulting in a painful but harmless lump in the throat. This muscle, also known as the upper oesophageal sphincter (UES), is located at the top of the oesophagus and contracts to moderate food and liquid intake.
The spasms can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as the feeling of choking or something being stuck in the throat. While these spasms are not a significant medical concern, they can cause distress due to the unusual and worrying symptoms. The difficulty in describing these unusual symptoms and the challenge for practitioners to diagnose the condition can lead to a delay in identification and treatment. This delay can cause anxiety and worry, especially if the patient mistakes the symptoms for something more severe, such as cancer.
The exact cause of cricopharyngeal spasms is often unknown, but they may be related to acid reflux, GERD, neurological issues, inflammatory conditions, or stress and anxiety. They can also occur after an accident or disease, and there may be hereditary factors. Leaving cricopharyngeal spasms untreated for an extended period can result in Zenker's diverticulum, a type of oesophageal diverticulum that causes a pouch in the back of the throat, making swallowing more difficult.
Treatment options for cricopharyngeal spasms include medications, such as acid reflux medications, muscle relaxants, and botox injections. Physical therapy, counselling, and relaxation techniques can also help manage symptoms. In rare cases, surgery may be required to make incisions in the cricopharyngeal muscle. While cricopharyngeal spasms usually go away on their own, seeking a proper diagnosis and treating the underlying cause can help reduce distress and improve quality of life.
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They can be caused by acid reflux, GERD, or stress
Cricopharyngeal spasms occur when the cricopharyngeal muscle in the throat tightens more than it should. While these spasms are harmless, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as the feeling of choking or having something stuck in your throat.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, GERD, and similar conditions are common causes of cricopharyngeal spasms. Treatment options for acid reflux-related cricopharyngeal spasms include medications such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors, which are prescribed by a healthcare provider. These medications help to reduce acid reflux symptoms and prevent further spasms.
GERD
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a condition where stomach acids frequently flow back into the food pipe, causing acid reflux. GERD can irritate the cricopharyngeal muscle, leading to spasms. Similar to acid reflux treatment, GERD-related cricopharyngeal spasms are often treated with medications like H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors.
Stress
Stress is a significant factor contributing to cricopharyngeal spasms. Stress and anxiety can trigger or worsen the symptoms. Managing stress through counseling, relaxation techniques, or medication can help reduce and, in some cases, eliminate cricopharyngeal spasm symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, and throat massages are recommended to help ease symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Cricopharyngeal spasms occur when the cricopharyngeal muscle in your throat tightens more than it should. This can cause the uncomfortable sensation of choking, or a lump in the throat.
The exact cause of cricopharyngeal spasms is often unknown. However, it is believed that the vagus nerve plays a role in the condition. Other causes include acid reflux, GERD, neurological issues, inflammatory conditions, stress, anxiety, and hereditary factors.
Cricopharyngeal spasms can be challenging to diagnose as they cannot be detected through examinations, blood tests, or X-rays. Instead, diagnosis is based on specific symptoms and can be confirmed through tests like upper endoscopy, manometry, and motility tests.
Treatments include medications such as acid reflux medications, muscle relaxants, and botox injections. Physical therapy, counselling, relaxation techniques, and supplements like magnesium can also help. In rare cases, surgery may be required.
Yes, cricopharyngeal spasms often respond well to home remedies. These include hot fluids, herbal tea, neck and throat massages, mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques.
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