Strong feelings of a squeezing pain, or burning, while swallowing food that could be felt high in the neck and even lower down, just behind the breast bone could be a sign of a serious disorder. This symptom is referred to as odynophagia. I would advise you to visit your general physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Swallowing is a relatively complex process involving the mouth, the throat area, and the esophagus, which is the tube responsible for transporting food into the stomach. A problem occurring at any point, right from the mouth to the esophagus, could cause intense pain or burning while swallowing food or even saliva. These sensations can be accompanied with chest pain, and the feeling of food being lodged in the throat, or at times pressure or heaviness in the upper chest or neck.
his could be symptomatic of a number of conditions including Laryngitis, Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis or Scleroderma to name a few. Scleroderma is a very common problem that at times causes such problems. It is a chronic, and progressive disease causing thickening of the skin and connective tissues making them become tight and hard. It often affects the muscles crucial to swallowing food.
answered by M W