Headaches/TMJ/Thyroid issues?

G

ghabowe48gbva349p8b

New member
I have had pain in my upper jaw (area above molars) since November. Multiple dentist/oral surgeon visits turned up nothing. Last week I started having trouble opening my mouth all the way and thus TMJ became the first real possibility. I saw a specialist and he isn't convinced it is definitely TMJ. When he placed pressure on my neck and back and areas of my face, I felt extreme pain even though I should have been experiencing only a dull slight pressure. My neck and back don't hurt when in a resting state. I have been getting bad headaches for about 2 weeks now, have felt very tired at times, and dropped almost 10 lbs (198 to 188) in about a month. This called into play thyroid issues. I am getting blood work done next week. Anyone else have a similar story or possible diagnosis?
 
Needhelp,

Welcome to the boards...I have read that TMJ is the fourth most commonly affected joint in Lyme disease and for that reason it should be included in the workup of people complaining of TMJ pain and symptoms. From what I understand, the lyme "bugs" set up housekeeping in the salivary glands and the problems spread, resulting in the symptoms you describe. Your other symptoms, including thyroid, also suggest Lyme. The fact that you live in NY, puts you at higher risk.

Lyme may be transmitted in ways OTHER than a tick bite...and the first symptoms are usually fever, arthralgias and myalgias, headache, malaise and stiffness of the neck.

As the condition progresses, lymphocytic meningitis, neuritis, mild encephalitis and cardiac conduction defects may occur. Left untreated, the disease can progress to the third stage with dehabilitating arthritis and chronic CNS disease.

Chances are your doctors do not have the ability to diagnose and treat this condition...you'll find more about Lyme Specialists, the diagnosis, and the treatment on the Lyme Board Stickies.

Bethsheba
 
I presented originally with a focus on TMJ issues similar to what you describe;
and now finally have a diagnosis of hypothyroid (Hoshimoto's).

A word of caution about thyroid bloodwork.
My TSH results were "within normal limits" according to conventional criteria, but my doctor tested for thyroid antibodies---and there they were.
My immune system attacking my thyroid gland.
Like you, I had rapid weight changes (only I gained).

Anyway, in my case, these both are attributed to Lyme Disease.
Seeking out a Lyme Literate doctor, as Bethsheba suggested, would be a prudent avenue to follow. Since there are no legitimate tests, it will take a lyme specialist to rule it in or out for you.

I hope you sleuth out the source of your symptoms and are on the road to recovery soon....
 
Back
Top