Is a Throbbing Neck a Sign of High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that develops when the heart is forced to pump more blood, typically through thicker arteries. The condition often remains undiagnosed for years, due in part to the lack of symptoms.

Function

Given that high blood pressure rarely, if ever, presents with symptoms, a neck that feels like it is throbbing is typically not indicative of the condition.

Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, if symptoms of high blood pressure appear, blood pressure is typically already at a dangerous level. Symptoms include nose bleeds, dull headaches and sporadic feelings of dizziness.

Hypertension Treatment

Hypertension treatment typically involves medications such as ACE inhibitors to help lower your blood pressure. These are often combined with a change in diet, a reduction in the amount of sodium you ingest and regular exercise.

Throbbing Neck Causes

Although not indicative of high blood pressure, a throbbing neck could something as minor as a simple muscle spasm. According to FamilyDoctor.org, it also could be indicative of a spinal injury.

Treatment

If your throbbing neck is caused by a muscle strain, simply taking some over-the-counter pain killers and applying heat to the affected area can help.

References

• Mayo Clinic: High Blood Pressure
• FamilyDoctor.org: Neck Pain