chronic problems without answers

[g11]

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.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

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

[missmellie]

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.

[Carol in PA]

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

[nessie1]

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
heart palpitations
heavy weak feeling in arms and legs
hives (internal and external)
hoarseness
hyperactivity
hypoglycemia
insomnia
irregular heart beat
irritable bowel syndrome
itching
joint pain
lethargy
light-headedness
lip swelling
loss of balance
mental confusion
migraines
mini strokes
mood swings
mouth lesions
muscle soreness
nausea
neck and shoulder pressure
night terrors
nightmares
nocturia
numbness w/tingling sensation
obesity (over eating)
palpitations
panic attacks
partial paralysis
poor memory
pressure around eyes
pressure at temples
racing heartbeat
unusual jumpiness from sound
rage reactions
rectal bleeding
runny nose
scalp swelling
sciatica
seizures
shortness of breath
shuddering
skin rashes
sleep disorders
sleep walk
sleepiness
slow heart beat
slurred speech
sneezing
sore throat
staggered walk
stiffness
stomach cramps
stomach upset
sugar craving
swelling
swelling of anus
swelling of hemorrhoids  
swelling of prostate
swelling of vagina
tachycardia
temporary  paralysis
temporary lack of reality
temporary tightness in muscles
tenderness in neck and back
tightness in chest
tingling of scalp
tongue swelling
unexplained insulin rise
vaginal spotting
vomiting
weight problems

The above are all symptoms from ingestion of monosodium glutamate.  Most sufferers will have 20+ symptoms.  Easiest test is to pig out on a big box of Kentucy Fried Chicken and certainly don't forget the gravy on those potatoes.  Shy of that, buy the product ACCENT and consume 1/8 teaspoon right out of the bottle.  If you're real miserable in about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours you'll have you answer.

[selracer]

So what is the next step?  I have many of these symptoms after having a C-difficil bacterial infection and a root canal done and redone 6 times....still having all kinds of issues neck pain tightness in throat, fatigue....I could go on an on..how do you stop ingesting MSG!

[selracer]

Ialso have been test for lyme disease and It cam back negative but I too have many symptoms...could the test have been inacurrate?

[selracer]

Ialso have been test for lyme disease and It cam back negative but I too have many symptoms...could the test have been inacurrate?

[Carol in PA]

Selracer:
You asked, "Could the test have been inaccurate?"

The tests for Lyme Disease are not very accurate.  That is why experienced doctors will diagnose Lyme clinically.  That is, they base the diagnosis on the patient's symptoms.  NOT on test results.

So if your symptoms are consistant with Lyme, the Lyme literate doctor will diagnose you with Lyme Disease, even if the tests don't show much.

Compare your symptoms to the list at the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation.  Do you have any of these?
http://www.canlyme.com/patsymptoms.html

Carol

[TAKODA]

I have IgA deficiency, chronic sinus problems, allergies, etc. and I suffer much like you do with dizziness, crunching, pressure, etc. You might benefit from an allergy/immunologist...You sound like my brother very much as well. I wish you much luck! I would love to hear how you make out....I know how very frustrating it can be, trying to find the correct diagnosis! Take care & I hope you have a great holiday! Takoda

[atrueoriginall]

SELRACER: I am very sorry that I didn't read this until now.  I am "Nessie" (lost my password) and I'm the one that posted that symptoms list for monosodium glutamate, which by the way are as well symptoms for aspartame too.

Our food is riddled with monosodium glutamate these days.  And I don't mean the products that state monosodium glutamate.  I mean just about everything that comes in a box, can, jar, package or frozen.

In the 80's we were taught not to consume MSG and we didn't. Chinese food restaurants suffered and that was about it - so we thought. In the late 80's, the food manufacturers began adding MSG to everything we ate but did it in a very sneaky fashion. The FDA rules are; as long as monosodium glutamate is added to another ingredient and then added to the product then the words monosodium glutamate do not have to be mentioned on the label.

Check out the Truth In Labeling website and it will go into depth however, I have listed those ingredients where monosodium glutamate is being added.  And, don't fool yourself because fast food is also using these ingredients to put in THEIR food too so that they don't have to state monosoddium glutamate is present.

Better yet, I love V8 - or at least I use to until I realized that V8 was making me suffer.  V8 has an ingredient on their label of "citric acid".  What for?  How much more citric acid would they need in that bottle of V8 since it's riddled with tomatoes and other veggies.  Hmmmmm.  Campbells and Kraft are both up to alot of what I call witchcraft.  LOL  Campbells Healthy Choice soups aren't so healthy either.  Also full of msg but not stated.  It's in ALL soups even the better ones like Knorr.  You have to eat whole foods period in order to test for yourself.  Either that or test with a good dose of the product ACCENT and suffer real good for about a day because that's 100% MSG.

The answers are tough in this day and age because the hard one to swallow is that you can NEVER EVER eat out again since it's in ALL restaurant food.  Only shop the outside isles (meat, veggies, fruits) at the grocery store.  

And, if you consume dairy, avoid casein.  It is as serious a problem as MSG and Aspartame in respect to pain (add hormones in chicken to this list too).

Here's the list.  It's alphabetical.  Print it and put it in your wallet.  Check your cupboards.

annatto, artificial flavorings, B vitamins from yeast, barley malt (beer) scary thought mixing msg with alcohol, beef flavoring, bouillon, broth - all types, buttermilk powder, carrageenan, casein, cheese culture, chicken flavoring, citric acid, clam broth concentrate, corn syrup (soda - need we say more), cornstarch, cream of tarter, cream powder, cultured whey, disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate, all encapsulated drugs, vitamins, minerals, enzyme modified butter, enzyme modified parmesian cheese, enzymes, flavorings (too many to number), gelatin, guar gum, malt extract, malt flavoring, maltodextrin (solutions for frozen turkeys and chickens), modified corn starch, modified food starch, molasses, monoammonian glutamate, mushroom powder, natural flavorings, nonfat dry milk, paprika oleoresin - not paprika itself, pasteurized part skim milk, pork flavoring, protein, phosphoric acid, seasonings and season mixes, selenium from yeast, smoke flavoring, sodium citrate, soy extract, soy protein, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, soy sauce, soy starch, spices (any time you see the word), stock - all types, tapioca, textured protein, torula yeast, vegetable gum waxes on fruit and vegetables, whey protein, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate.

[pokerguy]

Heres my situation....Starting in Early Dec. I started to get this really anxious feeling, pressure in head.....etc.I've noticed that sometimes when im talking to someone i'll be trying to say one thing and it comes out weird or different like if i'm speak without thinking or anything i might be wanting to say a word like tension but kinda thinking of another word and i'll end up combining the two....its hard to explain words and sentences just dont always come out correctly or proper i should say. I also wake up in the morning with a anxious/gasping feeling in my stomach about 3 times a week but the feeling will only last for about 10-15 mins. I go throughout the whole day with a pressure feeling in my head but it seems to move around as crazy as that seems..like it can be in my forehead area then proceed to the back of my head later in the day or to the temple area. I didnt notice the symptoms until around dec.5-10th I moved into a new apartment on the 3rd of dec and had a good deal of stress on my plate with school and what not so this leads me in a way to hope its just anxiety but i also think sometimes what if its a tumor or something terrible like that. I really am just ready to get back to feeling like me again....

thanks,
justin

[caragat]

Hi everyone,
I am a 34 female, mom of 4. at the age of 22 I became chronically ill, it seemed as if it happened overnight. Though I have had many work uos by many doctors no one seems to know why I am ill. The symptoms are to numerous to list but the most annoying ones are irregular heart rythyms, pvc's, pac's, work-up done by several cardiologists reveals no structural damage or abnormalities. I have pain in my left side beneath my ribcage by my stomach frequently. Also my head feels like I have a brick in it all the time. I also experience tingling sensations on one side of my head or the other, sometimes the top of my head, never all of the head at the same time, I also rarely have these sensations in my arms and legs. My muscles all over my body frequently twitch uncontrollably (not all at the same time i.e. my arm for 5 minutes, later on my thigh or face etc.) for short periods of time and for some reason my left pupil enlarges for shorts periods of time. Workup by opthomologist and neurologist again reveals nothing. Also have had work ups by gastronenterologist, infectious disease specialist, neurologist, rhuematologist,several E.R. dr's over the years, different family practitioners, a wholistic specialist, and at 1 point thought maybe I was going crazy and even consulted a psychiatrist who assures me that I am quite sane. I have had more testing done then I thought any human could take and many different treatments that have ranged in how they have affected me from no help at all, to minor help with some symptoms. My quality of life is rather poor and I am desperate for some possible suggestions. The only testing that has come back abnormal other than clinical evaluation of my pupil being enlarged was an elevated sedimentation rate which of course only shows general inflammation or infection, documented irregular heart rythyms (I am told non-life threatening although very annoying) and an elevated c-reactive protein. I tend to think that whatever is wrong with me is neurological in nature although I could be wrong, I have lost just about all hope of a diagnosis and cure but would welcome peoples ideas and suggestions maybe different ideas could possibly improve my quality of life. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read this, I apprecaite it.

[dharmabell]

Hi all, I am so glad I came across your message board as I thought I was starting to go crazy. Let me start by saying that as of a little over a week ago, I was the picture of health, aside from a herniated disc in my lower back, I could not complain. I am 36 years old, and work out regularly, however, last Thursday after working out at the gym, I had an awful experience. I felt as thought the room was spinning, my heart started racing and I started hyperventilating. I managed to rush myself to the nearest hospital, where they did all kinds of tests on my heart, lungs and blood sugar, all to reveal nothing wrong. Here it is a week later, and I couldn't feel worse. I still have feelings of heart palpitations which start to trigger breathing problems, which I can finally control, fatigue, nervousness, and now I have crushing head pain, ear pain, eye pain, and all of a sudden I started feeling the tingling in my scalp. I have followed up with my regular doctor and he is in the process of testing me for other problems, namely, thyroid problems, as my brother does suffer from Grave's disease, and that does tend to run in the family. My fear is that he will find nothing wrong with me and I will have to live with the symptoms forever without having a proper diagnosis. So, if any of you have any more information about what it could be, please let me know. I will let you know if I find out anything as well. Thanks.