What causes Clicking or Popping in Throat when Swallowing?

Did you ever find out what was causing this ?

No 🙁

I have the same problem with the clicking in my throat just above my thyroid. It just started a couple days ago, at least that’s when I first noticed it. If I tilt my head back, it doesn’t click, but if I put my head down it does. I can feel it, so can my husband. But definitely cannot push too hard or it doesn’t do it. I am going to try these exercises. They made it stop for a little while, but then it started back up. Hopefully it will stop it completely if I continue to do the exercises.

I wanted to add to this discussion and share my experience. I'm in my 40s, and this all began with neck pain, which eventually turned into a popping sensation in my throat (similar to the feeling of cracking your knuckles) whenever I swallowed liquids. Over time, this developed into fatigue and what has been diagnosed as Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM).

I've seen three highly experienced ENT surgeons here in Texas, each with over 20 years of practice. They scoped me all three times, and each time, everything looked normal. I also had an MRI of my neck, which came back clean. My blood work, including CBC, ANA, and a Tick Panel, all came back normal. Additionally, I consulted with a dual-certified GI/Internal Medicine doctor at the renowned Herman Memorial, and had a neurologist from Michigan review all my labs.

The only abnormal finding was elevated EBV levels, suggesting a reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Here's where it gets interesting: my wife, who followed my symptoms by about five days, has now developed the same issues. While we've both been slowly improving, it's been a long and frustrating process. What has helped a bit are off-label treatments with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Valacyclovir.

My wife’s blood work also showed EBV reactivation, but otherwise came back normal. Our kids are all fine, with no symptoms. We’ve ruled out environmental factors – we tested for mold and spent $1500 testing our water – and everything came back clear. We maintain a clean diet and are both athletic. I went from deadlifting 500 lbs to barely being able to get up from the couch. This hit me out of nowhere in May and persisted through June into July. My wife is still following me by five days.

The working theory at this point is that this could have been triggered by some sort of neurotropic virus or possibly a post-COVID condition that caused inflammation in the vagus nerve. This inflammation might be affecting the throat muscles and cartilage, which could explain the mechanical popping sensation when swallowing.

I'm not claiming this is definitely the issue, but it's the conclusion we've reached so far based on our symptoms and what we've ruled out. I hope this information might help someone else going through something similar.

My clicking and popping happen May 18 after oral activity with a partner (if u know what I mean). During the moment I heard a pop and didn't think anything of it. As days wen by I noticed that when I passed saliva my throat would cause a popping or clicking sensation. I've had an x ray and ct done and all came back good. ENTS haven't been able to see anything wrong which is the most frustrating part. Its more of a mind game for me because although I'm not in pain - its annoying to feel that lump or clicking sensation. Ill be seeing an ent in a couple weeks again and ill be requesting an MRI and ultrasound since the other to exams came back good. Ive also seen a dentist and facial pain specialist/tmj AND NOTHING- the clicking only happens when I face down or lay down- ive also noticed excessive saliva so maybe its a glad? idk but im relived im not the only one feeling like this

It’s likely wax in ear. Debrox/flush

@fever1 ive had my ears checked several times and it’s nothing related to wax or ear issues but thanks !