Compulsive need to "open throat" (tic? spasm? twitch? PLEASE HELP!)

[WindyCityMom]

Ergh! I'm so annoyed about this. This has happened before in my life- not sure when though. It usually doesn't last long (no more than a few days). This time, it started on the 4th of july- so we're going on 10 days of this.

I have the complusive need (I'm actually not sure if it's voluntary or involuntary!) to sort of "open up" my throat. I don't even know how to explain it.

In the morning, during DDs first nursing session of the day, I can distinctly notice the first spasm (I'll just call them spasms for lack of a better term). And when it happens, I can distinctly tell the difference between the spasm and the peacefulness that preceded it. It's strange.

I'm under an immense amount of stress right now and I think that's a big contributor.

I just cannot stop. I can sort of meditate on it and make it stop for a few seconds but if I lose my concentration it starts again. It makes me feel like it's all in my head. How can I stop? My neck and shoulder muscles are KILLING me!

Could it be a nutritional deficiency? Reaction to caffeine (I've always had caffeine but perhaps my body is reacting badly?) Dehydration? I'm lost!

[journeymom]

Originally Posted by WindyCityMom

I have the complusive need (I'm actually not sure if it's voluntary or involuntary!) to sort of "open up" my throat. ...

can distinctly notice the first spasm ...

Could it be a nutritional deficiency? Reaction to caffeine (I've always had caffeine but perhaps my body is reacting badly?) Dehydration? I'm lost!

You've perfectly described what it feel like to have a simple motor tic (as opposed to a vocal tic).

Wikipedia says,

Immediately preceding tic onset, most individuals are aware of an urge that is similar to the need to yawn, sneeze, blink, or scratch an itch. Individuals describe the need to tic as a buildup of tension[10] that they consciously choose to release, as if they "had to do it".

Wiki also says,

Tics are described as semi-voluntary or unvoluntary, because they are not strictly involuntary—they may be experienced as a voluntary response to the unwanted, premonitory urge.

It's probably stress related, which means having lots of caffeine will exacerbate it. Cutting back on caffeine may help, but of course dealing with the stress will be your best bet.

Hugs to you. Sounds thoroughly annoying!

[pianojazzgirl]

Besides cutting down on caffeine there might be other things you can do to help combat your stress. I guess the obvious are getting enough sleep and exercise (not always possible I know!). Another thought I had was that perhaps supplementing Magnesium might help. It certainly helped me a lot with my anxiety. Hopefully someone else chimes in with some better suggestions. Good luck!

[A&A]

Originally Posted by pianojazzgirl

Besides cutting down on caffeine there might be other things you can do to help combat your stress. I guess the obvious are getting enough sleep and exercise (not always possible I know!).

And moving away from your MIL!

[WindyCityMom]

Thanks everyone Glad to know that it's probably a tic. It is exactly like the urge to scratch an itch or something of that nature.

Originally Posted by A&A

And moving away from your MIL!

Working on this!!