neck pain/iodine deficiency??

[mbenavidez119]

I have had a burning/poking sensation at the front of my neck on both sides for several months now.  I have had a thyroid ultrasound which showed a few small nodules, the Endo did not seemed concerned and at first thought I had thyroiditis, which after lab work, came back negative.  I had an MRI of my neck done last week and according to that, there is nothing significant.  I am now having pain in the upper part of my chest, some tenderness in my breasts(both) and under my arms.  Are these symptoms of an Iodine deficiency?  I am so frustrated since even after all the lab work, xray, ultrasound and MRI, we are not closer to an answer....  I am scheduled for an appt with an ENT next week..but don't even think he can help since it doesn't feel like my throat it feels more like my neck, glands or something along those lines...but nothing shows in the MRI....HELP, I'm hurting and frustrated...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Acid reflux can cause burning sensations and chest discomfort but TMJ is not responsible for your chest discomfort.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux in the esophagus. Typical GERD symptoms include cough, hoarseness, voice changes, chronic ear ache, burning chest pains, nausea or sinusitis.

Useful investigations may include barium swallow X-rays, esophageal manometry, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroesophageal_reflux_disease

Try raising the head of your bed about four inches with blocks. It also might help to avoid eating or drinking for two hours before you lie down. To help control the stomach acid, one should not drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine in them, or eat chocolate or spicy or greasy foods .

Take some OTC antacid like Mylanta.You can also take zantac(ranitidine)or prilosec(omeprazole).These will help.

Take care and pls do keep me posted in case of any additional queries.

[mbenavidez119]

Could acid reflux or TMJ be the cause of my problems?????  I

[mbenavidez119]

I have seen an endocrinologist, he didn't seem too helpful, he advised me to see an ENT, since then I have had an MRI which didn't show anything significant.  I have the appt. with the ENT next week.  I've considered having my Primary doctor who is a DO, adjust me to see if that might prove helpful.  Other than that I am running out of options.  the gal that told me about the Iodine deficiency that she has, had the same symptoms burning/poking in the neck...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

There are afew possibilities for your symptoms which are to be ruled out.These include sprain or strain of the muscles of the neck,spinal pathology like degeneration or herniation,fibromyalgia,arthritis,referred pain due to cardiac or pulmonary causes and thyroid disorders like nodule or cyst.

For a confirmatory diagnosis,thorough investigations are needed to rule out these conditions.An evaluation by an orthopedician and endocrinologist will be the best.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.