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Arthritis  (Expert Forum)
 | 
chronic problems without answers
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
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MedHelp Member's Question

chronic problems without answers

by g11, Oct 24, 2005 12:00AM
I am a 39 year old male. Was in great health until 31 when i began experiencing pressure in the upper neck and head issues. I constantly have to adjust my head/ neck areas to remain balanced each day. There are elements of TMJ & arthritic like conditions involved. I can often press on an area of the upper back/neck and move the tissue and/or disc and have a full sense of clearing all the way to the head but this only lasts for a moment and then the pressure rebuilds quickly. This problem has been constant in various forms for the last 8 years however it manifests in different ways for weeks or even months at a time and then changes but always comes back to the 4 or 5 distinct patterns. The symptoms that i experience throughout these patterns: swaying of the head neck, tissue swelling surrounding upper spine, neck  and right pelvic area, feeling like collapsing of the right rib cage, right short leg , snapping , popping and cracking in upper neck and head, and jaws, random twitching in all many different body areas, burning sensation in various parts.  Any and all of the symptoms can almost completely be gone for a period of time but will always cycle back. The winter weather has definately been noted as worse and it all started in winter of 97 in which there was an el nino condition with alot of rain. The symptoms in the neck and head frequently rotate from one day to the next from one side to the other. During most periods, it is like clockwork. One side can be taking all the brunt of the pain and then when i wake the next day it is gone and in the other side. i went through extensive normal blood testing , xrays, mris, etc. with only mild spinal degeneration showing that should not have created the myriad of symptoms and the constant pressure and pain i experience. I did some chiropractic after all traditional doctors did not bring any answers and it would frequently help greatly but only for  a few seconds and then patterns would immediately reform. I have also done many exercise based programs intended to realign but they have all failed. I am able to do walking and bike riding as my form of exercise these days but any other form of exercise will tend to exacerbate the conditions. (not during but after) For example when i would swim laps it would feel ok during but after there is a closing off feeling in the upper back/neck that i must lay down to recoup from. Also, about once every six months or so, a pattern will come on in the neck that creates a feeling so intense like i will pass out. If i lay down completely , this will slowly go away and i can regain my normal bad state. This has been triggered several times by certain activity, (a turbulent plane ride, doing upper body exercises) but usually just comes on out of nowhere and is frequently during car rides. I only drive myself during the past 8 years because i get an almost instant throbbing in the neck and bad dizziness.

Any ideas to look into would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.
Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 25, 2005 12:00AM
Difficult to say without examination.



You have been through a comprehensive evaluation, including various imaging studies.  You can consider a rheumatological workup - some cases of arthritis or autoimmune disorders can lead to the symptoms you are describing.  



Testing the thyroid, as well as blood tests for ANA, rheumatoid factor, and inflammatory markers like a sedimentation rate can all be considered.



Further evaluation can be made with referrals to a rheumatologist or neurologist.  



If the studies and tests continue to be non-diagnosis, you can consider a referral to a physiatrist (rehabilitation specialist) where the focus can be shifted to managing your discomfort.



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Kevin, M.D.

http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
Member Comments (12)

by missmellie, Oct 31, 2005 12:00AM
Read up on vocal cord dysfunction! This can cause some of the problems you describe this condition can come on suddenly. Pain in the neck, tingling etc.

by Carol in PA, Oct 31, 2005 12:00AM
G11:

"Snapping , popping and cracking in upper neck and head, and jaws" --  this is common in Lyme Disease.



"Random twitching in all many different body areas" -- these are called fasciculations, indicate low magnesium, and are common in Lyme Disease.



"Burning sensation in various parts" -- burning pain is a symptom of Lyme Disease.  



"The symptoms in the neck and head frequently rotate from one day to the next from one side to the other."  --  this sounds like Lyme.



"Elements of TMJ & arthritic like conditions involved" --  these are symptoms of Lyme Disease.



"my normal bad state" -- hah, sounds just like a Lymie.



Really, you could be a poster boy for Lyme Disease.





I think you should post your symptoms and history at LymeNet.org and get an opinion from veteran Lyme patients.  The flash discussion group is very helpful to newbies.  They can guide you in the right direction, and advise about finding a doctor.



http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php



Read the information in the Newbie Help Links at the top of the Medical questions forum.



Wishing you the best,

Carol

by nessie1, Nov 11, 2005 12:00AM
To: Gll


Gll:  Count the symptoms below that apply to you no matter the degree.  These symptoms can be ones that are not chronic however come and go occasionally.



Symptoms from ingesting monosodium glutamate



agitated and explosive behavior

agitated

allergy-type symptoms

angina

anxiety attacks

asthma attacks

atrial fibrillation

bags under the eyes

balance difficulties

behavioral disorders

bloating

blurred vision

bone pain

breast pain

burning pain in muscles

burning palms and soles of feet

chest pain

chills and shakes

chronic bronchitis-like symptoms

chronic fatigue (unexplained)

dark circles under strained eyes

dehydration

depression

diarrhea

difficulty concentrating

difficulty focusing

disorientation

dizziness

dry cough

dry mouth

dry sinuses

eating disorders

excessive perspiration

extreme rise in blood pressure

extreme drop in blood pressure

face swelling

flu like symptoms

frequent urination

headaches

heart arrhythmia

heart attack like symptoms