Can a C5 C6 bulging disk cause a buzzing/vibratory sensation in my face and neck?

[yogamommy]

I am a 38 year old female who has spent too much time at doctor's offices this year.  Years' prior to this I would go for an annual physical and a trip or 2 to the doctor for a sinus infection.  I have seasonal allergies that I take zyrtec or xyzol for when needed.  I don't really take any other meds except a daily vitamin when I remember.  My labs have all come back okay so not my thyroid or potassium levels.  
I went to the doctor in late July because I felt like I was vibrating or better yet had buzzing in my R cheek and a migraine.  Nights prior to this I was waking up in the middle of the night with my fingers asleep (pinky and ring fingers on both hands).  I would change postitions and go back to sleep.   We flipped the mattress thinking it may be that.  The next day I woke up and the buzzing is in my legs as well as my R cheek.  I took a Cyclobenzaper at bedtime and it helped me get to sleep.  I start to notice my legs twitcing, not the whole leg but isolated spots in my legs/certain muscles.  This then goes to my eye as well.  This continues and is noticeably worse at nighttime when I am trying to get to sleep.  I notice it gets worse if I do not sleep well.  The initial doctor who saw me for this back in July was a psyiatrist and said that if my symptoms did not go away to see a neurologist.  In early September, I go to see a neurologist.  I have no weakness with these strange sensations so that is a good thing.  My blood pressure is high at the neurologists office so he thinks it is my heart and refers me to a cardiologist.  The cardiologist does a 24 hour holter monitor and basically says my heart is fine.  I go back to the neurologist who then orders and MRI of the brain and neck.  
I do ashtanga yoga and had a neck injury from doing headstand in 2007.  It was never xrayed though.  I did receive PT with Mackenzie approach that was successful.  Back then, I had headaches and terrible pain with turning my head to the right and upward.  
Back to my most recent MRI's.  My insurance would not approve an MRI with contrast so they were done without.  Brain was unremarkable (phew, no MS) and neck states right paracentral disk protrusion at C5-C6 resulting in mild central and moderate right neural foraminal stenosis.  So, that's it!  I am thrilled to find out what the cause of my weird buzzing or "idling" sensation is from.  I go back to PT for more Mackenzie treatment with neck roll backs.  Only thing is that now I have developed tinnitus in my R ear that gets worse when I pull my chin back or when I push against my forehead.  I do my exercises when I feel the idling sensation but don't really think it is working after 3 weeks. I have woken up the past 3 days now exhausted despite a full nights sleep.  It feels like something is flaring up again.  I called the neurologist today and he is starting me on gabapentin, which I filled and am researching online tonight.  I am scared to take it but will to see if my symptoms go away.  I just want this to all stop.  
So, my question is...can someone have muscle twitching, tinnitus, and a vibratory/buzzing feeling all from a protruding disk at level C5 C6 or is something else going on that the doctors are missing?

[yogamommy]

Saw the alternative medicine doctor.  More labs drawn.  Got a call today saying I have two abnormal labs, adrenal glands and viramin D. First time I have had any abnormal labs.  Seeing the doctor again next Wed. To find out more.  

[yogamommy]

Have not been on here in awhile so here's the update.  I went off the Lyrica in November 2010.  I developed constipation.  The neurologist thinks it is likely from all the meds I have been on.  I was scared and thinking it was a new symptom.  I am taking a probiotic now everyday.  It is slightly better but still pebble poop.  I am experiencing heightened symptoms right now.  Not sure why.  The neurologist told me to put myself back on lyrica when this occurs.  Day 3 on meds and I am a little better.  He said he thinks it may be fibromyalgia.  Going back to see him in June.  I think I am going to look into alternative medicine.  I will report back on that as well.

[cagwynn]

I stumbled on your post and don't know if you are still reading this but to answer your question bulging cervical disks can cause tinnitus. The other cause may be the muscle spasms or stiffness related to the disk problem. I have 3 bulging cervical disks one which is impinging on a nerve root. Went through a year of PT and now try to mimic what the PT did; cervical neck exercises, heat on my back. I also use a massager on the trigger points in my upper back. The trick is to keep the neck mobile and the muscles stretched out. If I do that every day it improves quite a bit. If I get lazy it gets worse. Sitting in front of a computer for extended periods is the kiss of death. Hope this helps.

[suzann708]

Hi,
I don't know if you still post on this board, but I found your posts while searching for info. about bulging discs and upper body tremor. Your story is exactly like mine. I've practiced yoga for a long time. I developed TMJ 3 years ago, and then developed neck pain and tinnitus in my right ear. So I visited a chiropractor, who did a C3 and C4 adjustment. 24 hours later I developed an inner vibrating, mostly upper body tremor. It worsens when I practice yoga, and my arms weaken more quickly. I've noticed shaking hands when I apply makeup. It's been going on for 2 months. I recently had an MRI, which shows bulging discs on C3-C7. How is your condition now? Has the tremor subsided at all? Any info. would be greatly appreciated. Suzann
S. Spring

[Mercedes808]

My symptoms are very much like yours and my frustration in finding a cause is similar as well.  I do vibrate 24/7 although looking at me you cannot tell.  This vibration is from face to private area.  I also have a bulging disc.  I absolutely do not want to be on more pharmaceuticals.  I have a hypothyroid and am menopausal so I take synthroid and estrodial.  I have found that I can have a nice quality of life with acupuncture and massage scheduled weekly and the use of liquid vitamins and the strong B vitamin Folbic from a prescription.  It does not take the vibration away but I am happy, have cognitive clarity most of the time.  In fact the first time I went to the acupuncturist who also worked on my neck produced results the very next day.  That is when I knew it was in my neck at the axon, atlas level.  Although I truly feel saddened by your run around, you made feel that I am not alone with this vibration.  Most doctors think I am nuts.  I walk away feeling sorry for them.. All that time in education and money spent and they are clueless unless a pharma rep tells them what to do.  Good luck and best wishes.

[yogamommy]

Haven't updated in awhile, so here I go.  My neurologist gave me Lyrica to try as a sample.  I have felt the best I can be since this all started a year ago!  I am still internally vibrating but at the lowest level it has ever been.  The random muscle twitching is also at a minimum, again the best it has been.  I sleep pretty much all night through.  I can actually sit and watch TV at night without being distracted by my symptoms.  Now for the negatives...$40 copay with my insurance for starters and the fact that this is simply masking symptoms.  I am now drug dependent.  My neck and shoulders seem to feel so tense and tight.  I have pain but it is bearable.  Not going to Mayo.  My neurologist says wait.  I follow up with him in September and will bring up the neck and shoulder pain.