Lot's of pain

[ThatGuy264]

I have had TMJ for a long time now- I take a muscle relaxant before bed every night (10 mg amitryptaline) and it has always served me well. However, I have been particularly stressed recently and have been having much more intense and usual pain I'm not accustomed to.

In particular, pressure/throbbing pain in my ear, behind, below and around it, sharp throbbing type pains that run down my neck and all the way through my shoulders into my arms and chest. They are often accompanied by headaches and dizziness. The pains seem to come and go at random as they please- one moment I feel just fine, 2 minutes later I'm in agony. Is this normal? Does anyone else have TMJ pain that travels this far?

I was concerned that maybe I have an infection or something, but I don't have a fever and I can't for the life of me locate any swollen glands or anything, no cough, or anything of that nature. It's been pretty intense for a few weeks now, like I said coming and going seemingly at random.

Any thoughts anyone?

[dana007]

Hey there,
on top of 'what they said' above me, I would try massage therapy. It may be painful as the muscles are very tight and pulling on each other in the area (everything is connected in our body--its painful for me every time :( ) I see my RMT every month religiously. I also go see my chiropractor who is an expert on bones and muscles. He is very good at my symptom management and finding out the actual problems vs. symptom management only with no attempt at fixing problems (like medications). Active release really helps (like intense massage) and mine is always willing to show me exercises/stretches to help my cause.

Good luck to you!
My pain is yet to go away, and am now awaiting surgical consultation for last resort (I do have a complicated case though)-- I do believe most people can find pain relief!!!

Keep on keepin' on :)
Dana

[scottma]

I agree with Dr.Mehregan' s post. In addtition, your presentation may suggest a pathologic entity known as neurovascular orofacial pain. Amitryptyline is used to treat myofascial trigger point pathology by some textbook authers. It expains your relief of your muscular disorder of tmd. In addition to pharmacologic management, occlusal appliance therapy is highly effective for tmd. Seeing a tmj specialist / orofacial pain specialist is advised.

[Ramin Mehregan, DMD]

Dear Patient
Have all possible medical causes been ruled out? If not your first step is a consult with an MD.
If any medical condition has been ruled out, please read my Blog on this forum on NM dentistry and MPD and on headaches. Then I would recommend you find a NM dentist for treatment of your TMD symptoms. There is treatment.
Good luck
Dr. Mehregan