Myofacial pain (TMJ?) and spinal stenosis

sunshine221 · 12-25-2007, 05:37 PM

Since Oct I've had tooth pain. Dentist wasn't sure but did a crown. Problems continued. Associate spent an hour with me recently and couldn't pinpoint a problem tooth so sent me to endodontist (appt is Jan 9). I was in horrible pain still, saw yet another associate who said it's my muscles - he massaged the face and wow pain went away. He suggested Aleve and at least I've been able to function.

In same time frame my gait issues have gotten a bit worse and I'm waiting for new MRI (taken Dec 19) results. Anxiety probably has some level of play here - lots going on including a sick Dad out of town.

My original problem was spinal stenosis and I had cervical laminectomy C4-C7 in sept 05. Ongoing problems have lead the neuromuscular specialist to diagnosis a "parkenism" syndrome and I take a small dose of Requip which helps some muscle stiffness. Most frusrtating issue is that my leg doesn't swing properly when I walk.

I thought i've seen elsewhere about a TMJ link - any experiences here with that?

-Gloria

monarog · 01-01-2008, 01:29 PM

Hi Gloria,
I'm sure you've seen my posts of multiple neuro issues, basically undiagnosed and not a lot of pain or neuro improvement since my ACDF almost 9 months ago (C6/7, cord compression etc.) Anyway, since no one has responded to this post, thought I'd just tell you, with my myriad of symptoms I also have intermittent jaw pain/stiffness of which I never had before all of this started. Mine is not tooth pain as you describe, but there will be days where my jaw joint both sides feels painful and stiff, then it disappears. Maybe it's due to the stress of feeling bad all of the time and I'm clenching my teeth, who knows. I feel, however, it's related to the rest of my neuro stuff. I spent lots of $ prior to surgery doing all kinds of myofacial treatments hoping it would help some of my symptoms - unfortunately to no avail. Hope you're feeling better. Mona

sunshine221 · 01-01-2008, 02:58 PM

Yes I saw your posts and was hoping you'd reply. Stress is so much a factor - besides the stress of the ongoing spinal issues I'm planning my daughter's wedding, my out of town Dad is under hospice care (as in the phone will ring any minute) and I have some other local business issues I'm dealing with - nothing awful but it alll pulls at the stress and time factors.

My new MRI shows that I'm "the same" as I was at an MRI taken about 9 months after surgery - that said there is still compression C5-C6 and "a signal intensity" issue in the cord. The neuro said at some point I might need more surgery - he thinks that I have both the neuro issues and a parkinson syndrome - I feel that the spine is the cause of most of my on-going problems - that said I've gotten some relief from Requip (a PD drug) and because there wasnt anything significant in the MRI he wants me to try Azilect (also a PD drug) - the requip did make a difference when I started with it, I'm only two days on the Azilect. Hubby doesn't want more surgery but if the benefits outweigh the risks I'd consider it again. He thinks my feeling that "I'm getting worse" is mostly stress.

Anyway Mona thanks for the reply. I see the dental specialist on 1/9 if I'm not in FL w/family.

-Gloria

Braveheart07 · 01-04-2008, 02:29 PM

Gloria,
I saw that you posted a reply to me in another thread---Thank-you for that--you mentioned that I have the same symptoms as you did pre-op. (fasciculations, spastic gait, left-sided weakness, balance issues, heavyness in legs)...My MRI shows 1 herniated disc at C5-6, C6-7, bone spurs, and stenosis...everything is "mild to moderate" except where it's "severe C6 root impingement".....2 of 4 NS's said not to wait too long before surgery ( this was back in Nov), 1 wanted to operate as I was in his office (LOL), and the last guy said he'snot %100 sure all my symptoms are explained by my CSpine issues....Right now, I am scheduled to see another NS (one that actually takes my insurance !), and will see the Neuro next week to discuss my spinal tap results (hopefully the results are in by then)...The NS's also had different suggestions on the procedure/method....Nobody promised anything....anywhere from 0-100% recovery is possible...at this point I would be happy to learn that it's not ALS, or MS---any improvement would be a welcomed change....
I want to thnk-you again for your input----I hope you are feeling better, and I'm sure that you will continue to improve, however slowly it goes...
Take-care.. Doug

monarog · 01-04-2008, 04:55 PM

Hey Doug...

Saw your post and just wanted to say, please let us know how your appt with the NS goes next week, okay? Been thinking about you. Gloria, my fasciculations continue, 9 months since surgery. Have you experienced improvement with this? I am almost 2 years now into this twitching stuff....thankfully I've got no major weakness, just tons of numbness, creepy/crawly feelings etc. Just curious. Hope you're both feeling okay. Mona