head and neck pain - Fibromyalgia Message Board

LynneJW · 11-17-2004, 04:23 PM

Hi Everyone,
I'm really not sure where to post this, so if someone can direct me, I'd be most appreciative

. I'm posting here because a lot of my symptoms stem from fibromylgia (I was diagnosed many years ago), but I'm not sure if this is all FM related.
Firstly, I am in my early 30's. My main FM symptoms used to be trigger points along the chest wall, neck, shoulders, fatigue, stiffness,lowgrade fever, etc. I have not really been having any FM problems for quite a few years. I am currently on prozac for panic disorder, ativan for anxiety, synthroid for a low thyroid level, and prescription zantac for GERD.
Trouble is, I also have TMJ, and have had 3 invasive surgeries for it, so it's hard to tell if what I am now experiencing is TMJ related or due to FM, or something else alltogether (I saw an oral surgeon in April, he took an xray and he said that both joints look OK, considering the amount of trauma the right one had during those 3 surgeries). For the past few months, I have been experiencing headaches. It started out that I would get a headache only once every couple of weeks, but now, I have had this headache for almost an entire week. The headaches are like nothing I have ever experienced. I have taken motrin, tylenol, applied cold, applied heat, and nothing works. They are in the temple, mostly on the left side (this is the side NOT affected by TMJ), but occaisionally on the right. It feels as though someone is squeezing the temporal artery

(I have a degree in human anatomy, so I know what's where). It is painful to touch right along the artery itself. I also have a palpable mass over the artery, which has been there for at least 10 years (I asked my oral surgeon about it when it started, and his response was, it's on the artery, don't touch it!

...not that comforting). It has not gotten any bigger (it is about the size of corn kernel). Also, for the past week, my neck muscles feel like they are made of steel, and my shoulders are killing me (they clunk when I move them, the ligaments are so tight). I also have ringing in my ears some times, not bad, but it is a little annoying, and this started recently. Does anyone have any clue about what's going on? I don't know if I should go back to my oral surgeon, or see my family doctor. I had a great rheumatologist, but have since moved to a new province so I can't go to him anymore.
Thanks for listening to my rambling confusing post!!

PKPopcorn · 11-18-2004, 07:16 AM

I know exactly how you feel! I have been experiencing all of those head-neck-upperback problems for the last several years (at least 2-3). I find these things combined the most difficult of all the symptoms to live with and adjust to. I do not have insurance, so I cannot see a doctor or get any Rxs. I take an herbal concoction that can only do so much. If you find anything out, be sure to let us know!

Sarah

LynneJW · 11-18-2004, 07:59 AM

Thanks Sarah

, I am about to phone the family doc and get an apointment. You're right about it being so difficult to adjust to. I thought about getting a massage, but even touching my neck muscles is excruciating! I just popped another couple of advil, I hope I get at least a little relief. Hope you have a good day!

Lynne

kcgage · 11-18-2004, 09:59 AM

ACUPUNCTURE works wonders for my neck pain, as does sleeping on a cervical pillow.

PKPopcorn · 11-18-2004, 10:27 AM

The only real relief I get is from a DEEP tissue massage of my neck and back. But the relief ends when the massage ends, and my neck and back end up bruised! Tough luck! Facial massages are nice when I can get them too. I also take ibuprofen for my neck pain, but after about a week, I have to up the dosage for it to work. This is true of any chemical medicine I have ever taken (which is why I mainly take herbs). Does anyone else have this? What is it?

Sarah