looney

Dear Group,

I developed severe muscle spasm and TMJ after withdrawing from Klonopin. I have a horrible debilitating tightness in my scalp on top of my head and in the back of my head, in the temples, down my neck, and now even in my shoulders. I have been wearing a splint for a month to help with my TMJ, but no improvement so far. I also clench/grind my teeth and have an overbite. I have visited the TMJ board, but it doesn't seem that many of the folks there have as severe of head spasms as I do. Now, I'm wondering what is going on, if this is TMJ*related or if it's a type of headache.

The tightness is so bad, daily, and chronic, seems to be getting worse. I've had it for about a year now, and the past two months have been horrible. The muscles are so tight and overexhausted that I can barely lift a pitcher of Kool*Ade without burning pain in my upper arms. They just cannot be demanded of any more.

I'm so scared. I've been going for physical therapy for two months without relief, and like I said, the TMJ splint isn't helping either. Medications are bad for me as I am super*sensitive, and my body gets dependent very quickly on addictive meds. I also have severe tinnitus/hyperacusis from the withdrawal I experienced, and there are so many meds out there that are toxic to the ears. So I've been trying to survive this naturally, but the pain is ruining my life.

I don't know what to do. I am 31 years old, married with two little boys. I want my life back. I'm frustrated at the doctors I've seen because none of them seems to know what is going on with me.

Is tightness (severe) in the scalp and the rest of the head/neck area related to headaches or is it more likely a TMJ problem? I don't know how I can go on living in this kind of pain.

Please help,

Looney