My neck feels like its closing and my shoulders and neck feel tight! Just over relaxing the shoulder mucles helps!

I have noticed lately that my neck has had a lot of tension, feeling like it just works right on up to the back of my head. It really does it if i start feeling anxious. It has been driving me crazy, and of course, its hard not to dwell on it. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who has this problem.

I am having this problem, it is a new symptom for me, my anxiety has been very bad lately.
The weird 'pressure' feeling is in the sides of my neck as described, but also my throat and up to my ears, and down into my back in the shoulders, it is very unpleasant and has me freaked out thinking I have some physical problem.
I also have the feeling of a slight sore throat, but it feels like it's not 'for real' if that makes sense.

Does anyone know what this is called?

I am no doctor, but I would recommend getting your thyroid checked.

Hi Amywin,

Thanks for the reply, I have a long overdue doctor appointment coming up and I will talk to him about it.

For me it is very hard to tell the difference between the anxiety and other illnesses, a few months ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and the symptoms I was putting up with seemed like anxiety was the cause!

Has anyone on this thread been diagnosed with thyroid problems after having these neck symptoms?

Vetigomin, your neck swelling could be a symptom of your diabetes. It probably needs medical treatment.
Be sure to mention to your doctor how long the swelling has been happening.

I get the neck tightness when I'm very anxious.
I feel like I am going to choke.
I try hot tea and then an ice pack. Sometimes that helps.
I also find that if I lay down the tightness eases up a bit.
The deep breathing helps, too.

My anxiety manifests as physical symptoms (in addition to mental distress). First it was stomach aches - I had a stomachache that lasted seven years. The doctor put me on Klonopin and within a week the stomachache disappeared. I was fine for a few years and then i started to experience panic attacks (pounding heart, sweating, shaking, difficulting breathing, intense fearful feelings, horrible insomnia). I went back on the Klonopin but it didnt seem to be as effective this time, so my doctor added desipramine. This combination worked fantastic and the panic attacks stopped. I was okay for a couple of years and then bang, out of nowhere, I awoke in the middle of the night with intense head pain, excruciating neck pain, upper back pain and a very loud ringing in my ears. I underwent a few of the standard tests - CAT Scan, MRI Scan, etc. - nothing found. Underwent I dont know how many manual therapies - massage, physio, chiro, you name it - spent thousands in the last two years. I am back on the klonopin for the last couple of days .5 mg morning and .5 bedtime - I had a much better day yesterday. I am just amazed that anxiety can cause this much problems with your body. I feel very hopeless like WTF is next.

Sorry forgot to mention that this is just not bothersome pain, this is debilitating for me - I sit at a desk all day and the pain just gets more excruciating by the hour. At the end of the day I hobble home exhausted and depressed. So, you are not alone.

I do feel the same when stressed or having anxiety and panic attacks. The only thing that really helped me is rest and applying a hot water bottle to the area. It helps me relax.