Something in my neck is popping out of place

I'm not a doctor, but it sounds like you might want to consider seeing a healthcare professional about this. Even if it happens sporadically, the pain and discomfort you're describing could be a sign of an underlying issue. It's always better to get a proper evaluation from a medical expert to rule out any potential concerns and ensure your well-being. They can provide a more accurate diagnosis and suggest appropriate steps for managing or addressing the issue. What do you think?

Hi guys, let's see how big can the community grow. I am 37 and have had this problem for about 20 years. Happens the same way as with you - when I turn my head somehow and yawn in that position, or it happened numerous times when I slept on my right side and the pillow was soft. I wake up in that case panicking, but pop it back into place very soon.

Not sure if it's the hyoid or the thyroid cartilage, but I have to mention that I have hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's. The reason why I joined now is that I feel persistent discomfort in that area, especially when I breathe in through my nose harder or when I am in a certain position, but, the feeling is not the same - doesn't hurt when I swallow or talk. I am seeing my endocrinologist and getting a thyroid ultrasound on Monday so will keep you posted. It is so annoying.

This is the first time I’ve heard other people talk about this. I’m 37 now and this started happening to me in my teens. The small pops happen often, probably two or three times a week. The big painful ones where it seems like it gets stuck only happen every few months or so, usually if I yawn when my neck is bent in any way. I’ve become pretty adept at just pushing back in, though for the big ones I have to open my mouth and bend my neck a certain way. Asked my doctor about it and he said it was probably just a swollen lymph node but I don’t think that could be the case and persist this long. Really interested to see what anyone here finds out.

Hi! So I’m 22 F and it’s been happening to me since I was really young my doctors have never given me an answer so I’m interested in hearing others opinions as well

Amazing to read this and discover I'm not alone! I too have been experiencing this for around 20 years and am now 38. It is quite sporadic - sometimes I think I go a few weeks or maybe even months without it happening and then at other times (like today) it can happen 2 or 3 times in a day. The pain only goes away when I stretch my neck up and push it back in with my fingers. I went to the doctors years ago about it but didn't get to the bottom of it.

Out of interest has anyone else had any issues with migraine, headaches, vertigo, bruxism or tinnitus at all too? I used to get a lot of tension headaches, have had tinnitus for 10 years or so, grind my teeth at night and in the last few years have had vestibular migraine (vertigo and dizziness). It sounds like a bit of a tale of woe but they are all largely under control - but likely all stress related so I wondered if it was a common theme amongst others.

Adding to the community of *this happens to me too*. For me, it isn't painful and I can still talk. I don't panic but that's probably due to it not being so painful for me. I, like OP, feel it right above my adam's apple and to the edge a bit, near the pulse spot. I can poke around in there and usually get it back into place. Sometimes it takes longer than usual.

I feel like we should start listing our other weird undiagnosed symptoms, in case we have additional overlap. Could help people, who knows. To preface, I'm getting checked for hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome.
So without making this too long:
- hypermobility in many joints (double jointed)
- chronic fatigue
- pain in knees, hips, lower back, feet
- post nasal drip (pretty much had it for like 7 years now)
- depression, anxiety, adhd
- dizzy when standing after sitting, black tunnel vision when standing quickly after sleeping
- extra stretchy skin
- For a short period of time when I was 16 (maybe a few months at most), I had excruciating headaches that sent shooting pain right down my neck into my shoulder.
- I've always gotten random shocks in my neck that are very short and quick but extremely painful, like a quick electric zap.

I’m (M27) from South Africa and I’ve never felt more seen in my life! I’ve had this experience since my early teens and have not been able to find any articles or conversations about this. I no longer panic when it pops out but I rather go to the nearest person and tell them to listen closely to hear me pop it back in. Unless I will die from this in a few years it’s become a bit of a party trick.

Hello! I am a concerned 14 year-old, and I have been looking for why my throat will not go back to its place. I have been unable to find why, and it hasn't returned to its place in hours. Help.

And if nobody has named it, I am naming it 'Pharynx misalignment syndrome' this is being posted on 1/25/2024
If it has already been named, tell me, so I know how to fix my dang throat.

Hello @konner, Welcome to Connect. You might find this discussion helpful:
--- What causes Clicking or Popping in Throat when Swallowing?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/clickingpopping-throat-when-swallowing/.

Have you talked to your parents or seen a doctor about your symptoms?