HomeAnswersMaxillofacial Prosthodontistchronic painI am a 31-year-old with pain in my right neck, cheek, and jaw that has not resolved even after multiple treatments. Please help.

What is the cause of recurring pain in my right cheek, neck, and jaw?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Tinu Thampy

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At December 7, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 7, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 31 years old and have had pain in the right side of my neck, jaw, and cheek for years. When I was 18 years old I suffered mouth pain and was advised that I needed my wisdom teeth removed. I had a cyst on my right side, but the doctor who removed my wisdom teeth said it had been treated. But I continue to have issues. I had been punched in the jaw when I was around 21 years old, and it bothered me for some time. During this time, I also worked in a pharmacy for seven years. I used to hold the phone between my shoulder and ear while typing on the computer to do both at once. I received a mouth split from a specialist, but it did not relieve my discomfort. My doctor advised me to wear it throughout the day because it was large, and the appliance made me drool. I had to take it out and have drool drop every time I needed to talk because I could not talk with it. My neck problem was also worsened by a Botox treatment from a different doctor.

When I was 26 years old, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after experiencing severe pain all over my body while driving long distances. I do not have a fibromyalgia trigger, so I thought it was from my jaw pain. Maybe sitting in the car for three days and driving myself caused it to get worse, and my neck pain is why I feel like my entire body hurts. Now I am 31 years old, and my jaw, neck, and shoulder hurt, and my cheek feels like it has a ball of muscle in it. My right side is the side that hurts, not both sides. I have tried acupuncture and chiropractors. My X-ray from my chiropractor with my mouth open showed my jaw was crooked. Now, I have a doctor who wants to do trigger point injections, and I am worried it will not help or make things worse. Why cannot they induce general anesthesia and get my jaw fixed? I feel all I need is someone to fix my jaw into place. My jawbone near my right ear feels larger and disfigured. When I try to stretch, I can feel the muscles in my neck tighten. It clicks on my right shoulder. The muscle behind my ear feels like a stone, and my posture is poor. What is the best doctor to consult? What can I do to fix myself? I am taking Gabapentin for pain relief. I am worn out and depressed due to all my health issues. Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Tinu Thampy

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

Your ailment could be due to TMJ (temporomandibular joint), muscle, nerve, or systemic issues. You need a general body checkup by a physician first to rule out any systemic problem like excessive calcium deposition in the body or any muscle stiffening syndromes. Then, get a neurology check-up for any nerve issues. A consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon should be sought to rule out any pathology in the temporal bone or facial bones. The signs and symptoms mentioned are not specific to a particular part. So, it would be wise first to have a general checkup.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Tinu Thampy
Dr. Tinu Thampy

Dentistry

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