Skull pain base left side

[Char1022]

I have been having TMJ symptoms along with some ear discomfort. I woke up this a.m. with what felt like a large knot at the base of my skull (left side) that was very tender to the touch. I had an MRI/Spine xrays in 2010 due to
extreme pain and waterflowing sensations in the upper part of my head; no tumor was detected but showed
degen.disks. I had a cervical disk op in 1970 and degen.disk ever since. I put ice on the back of my skull/neck to try to relieve what felt like a large bump. Should I do anything else ??  I am 71 yrs old.  Thank you.

[Char1022]

Thank you for replying. I had to have a root canal last week (my first) and am in the process of having an upper bridge replaced, which has added
to this situation. I try to practice conservation/holistic methods but have had to take Aleve when necessary. I did use ice on the knot and heat on the upper cervical area. Thank you again.

[Dr Sharma]

Hello dear and welcome to the medhelp forum. I can understand how painful it must be for you to be suffering from TMJ symptoms along with possible degenerative cervical disc related symptoms. Try applying moist heat and cold pack to the affected side of face and temple. Take the assistance of a physical therapist exercises. Make dietary modifications like including soft foods to reduce the chewing involved and a splint to decrease the effect of clenching teeth. You could take some painkiller if you do not have any liver or renal compromise. The degenerative disc disease could be responsible for the tender knot at the back of the neck. Usually the pain causes the covering paravertebral muscles to go into a protective spasm to immobilize the injured joints to prevent further damage. You could try moist heat or ice application to relieve the muscle spasm along with NSAIDS prescribed by your physician according to your medical fitness.   You would need a neurologist to examine you and a fresh MRI spine to check if there is any worsening of degenerative disc disease, clinically if you have any tingling and numbness. Otherwise, conservative measures are the best option at your age. Wish you all the best.