New problem-pinched nerve - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Suzq222 · 08-19-2006, 07:02 PM

This new problem started 3 weeks ago. I woke up and I had shooting pains down my arm, deep pain in my shoulder, the opposite side of my tmj, and my thumb was tingling. I went to the doctor and he thought I had a pinched nerve so he gave me some steroids to reduce the inflamation. I took them for 5 days and was on vacation when I finished them. Unfortunatley, they didn't help at all. He called in a prescription for pain killers to get me through my vacation. When I got home I saw him again and he scheduled me for an mri next tuesday. He also gave me another pain reliever-tramadol because I couldn't take the vicodin during the day. I also asked him if this had anything to do with my tmj and he didn't think so. Has anyone had a problem like this? I don't know if it's related but I'm in so much pain and all the pain killers to is make me sick to my stomach and dizzy. I have an appointment with the pain clinic a week after my mri but I don't know how I can wait that long. Can someone help?

Thelma-Louise · 08-20-2006, 06:30 PM

I have had pinched nerves in the past and developed one again a few weeks ago. In my experience pinched nerves require time to heal - I think of it as a wound resulting from injury. Although meds will help somewhat relieve the pain, lots and lots of very warm moist compresses with some type of oitment or linament (Ben-gay, etc) work well for me although it takes several weeks for the pain, tingling, burning sensation to fully disappear. I have had a pinched nerve on each arm and one leg in the past and now more recently my neck - they are very painful, I know. I also try avoiding using the affected area as well - although it is difficult to not use your neck, arm or leg - I would just try to keep it in the position that caused the least amount of pain. The nerve will eventually relax on its own and mend itself, although I was left with localized numb spots where the pinched nerve originated but nothing you really notice. With my recent occurence my chiro tried to help it with adjustments but it did no good so I went back to what had worked before. Don't be alarmed if it takes a few weeks to a couple of months - just keep putting the very warm compresses on it with some type of linament as often as you can.

Suzq222 · 08-20-2006, 06:48 PM

Thank you so much for your reply. I was really getting down about it because its so painful and it's just one more thing to worry about on top of the tmj. I hate taking the pain killers, I've tried the moist heat and it seemed to help, I also have my husband folding laundry tonight! Thanks again for your help.

Thelma-Louise · 08-20-2006, 07:40 PM

Then I would definitely tell your husband this is going to take a while so maybe you can get a break from laundry detail for the next few weeks! That's so sweet.

CTmom · 08-21-2006, 10:30 AM

Hi!

I've been through this or at least something similar. I also woke up one morning with excruciating neck, shoulder and arm pain and tingling in my fingers. It was so bad I felt physically sick and went to see my Dr. who ordered an MRI. I'm glad you're having this - it will make it clear what the problem is quickly. Anyway, it turned out I had a herniated disc which was pressing on my spinal column as well as the nerve. The nerve was causing all the pain but the spinal column was the real danger, as if the disc cut through the cord I was told I could be paralyzed. I ended up having disc surgery very quickly and after a long and slow recovery am doing fine in that respect. If you just have a pinched nerve, conservative therapy is recommended - perhaps some PT. Most cases resolve without surgery - mine was the exception, but it's good to rule out anything more serious.

As far as the pinched nerve being related to TMJ, I wonder that often myself. My TMJ is on the opposite side from my nerve problems as well. The TMJ symptoms did not really flare until shortly after my surgery and I've often wondered if there is a cause/effect here. The neck is really a complicated part of the body and the doctor's I've asked say they don't know of any research proving a link, but it certainly seems feasible.

Anyway, I hope your MRI results are good and a little rest and TLC resolves your pinched nerve problems. (I found it helpful to reduce pain to lie on my back as much as possible and to keep my arm above my head.) Best wishes!