Neck/Cervical Spine Spasm and Pain - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

looney · 11-20-2003, 03:41 AM

Dear Group,

I have had my neuromuscular splint for 3 weeks, and so far, I haven't noticed too much improvement. My pain seems to be all muscular - spasms. It is particularly bad in my upper neck (as well as the scalp and temples). It is SO bad that I can barely function any more. The least little activity, like paying the bills, that involves putting my chin down, sends me into hourse of pain and tightness. I have had all of this before I even got the splint, however the pain in my temples seems worse since I got the splint.

I'm wondering if the cervical spine/neck pain and tightness is TMJ-related. I got all this muscle spasm after coming off Klonopin too fast, and after two months of the neck tightness and muscle spasm, my jaw started clicking and TMJ developed. So in my case, the neck stuff could be a separate issue, but I'm not sure.

Can anybody out there help me out with whether severe spasm in the upper neck can be TMJ related and if so, what in the world can be done about it? If the splint doesn't relieve muscle spasm, is surgery the only option? I have been getting myofascial release for two months now with no improvement.

Guys, I'm scared. I am in SO much pain, and I can't take medications. The only thing I can take is Tylenol. I thought the splint would help a lot right away because I clench and grind. I also have a big overbite.

I go back to my dentist today. If you have any thoughts as to what I should say or ask, please let me know. I'm hurting so bad. All my pain is muscle spasm all over my head, and my scalp feels too tight for my skull. It never lets up.

Please help,

Looney

A. Polly · 11-20-2003, 06:33 AM

Dear Looney,
I am sorry you are hurting so badly. When it gets bad for me I try to concentrate on my breathing and apply moist heat. It helps a little for a little while.

I know TMJ can cause neck pain. But neck pain can exist in tandem with TMJ. I have TMJ and a bad neck (arthritis). I have had the neck issues off and on for a couple of years. I think TMJ brought it more to the forefront and exacerbates it.

I don't know if you tried it, but pain management may work for you. I just visited a pain management doctor (anesthiosologist) and he said some portion of my pain is from my neck and NOT my jaw, so he's suggesting a cervical epidural that injects cortisone, anesthetic, and some type of saline solution into the nerves around the vertabrae that are arthritic.

Have you had an MRI or CT scan of your neck? It would seem to me that could help diagnose if the pain is as a result of neck injury or illness or as a result of your TMJ.

Best to you (((Looney)))...
Polly

cvella · 11-20-2003, 10:48 AM

Looney,
Neck pain can be related to TMJ but it can also be a separate issue. If your problems are truely muscular, surgery will not help.

Have you checked your posture lately? Look in the mirror from the side view and see if your neck and head are in a forward position from your upper back & shoulders. Your neck should be nice and straight, ears above shoulders. You can also place your heels against a wall and stand up straight. Your heels, butt, back, and head should all touch the wall. If everything touches the wall except your head, then you have forward head. This can cause a lot of muscle tension and muscle spasms in the neck and upper back because your head is much heavier when it is forward then when it is sitting on top of a straight neck. Since I've been watching my posture and doing exercises to strengthen my neck and upper back, my muscle spasms in my neck have gotton better. I still have a ways to go. The main exercise to get your head in the right position is to stand up with good posture then gently guide your head backwards, keeping eyes level and just sliding your head on a horizonal plane backwards. Hold this position for 5 seconds then release. I like to do this in front of a mirror so that I can make sure my head is staying level and I'm not tucking my chin. You may want to see a Physical therapist to give you specific exercises to strengthen the neck. With my experience it has been weak muscles = muscle spasms and strengthening has helped. good luck

A. Polly · 11-20-2003, 11:50 AM

I also have forward head/shoulder posture due to a curvature of the spine and I know it only makes my headaches worse. It hurts for me to try to align my head properly.

Thanks for the tip.

Polly

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saaraah · 11-20-2003, 07:31 PM

have you considered yoga? it can be really good at helping to focus on the posture. it also helps to realign the spine.

i know from experience that it has helped me to at least pay attention to my posture and head position. i havent seen results in my rounded shoulders, but im hoping that time and further yoga practice will fix that.

all in all, yoga is extremely relaxing.

- saaraah.