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Dull shoulder pain and neck pain that radiates into jaw - is it anxiety

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/6/2009 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
I have suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember. I am 48 and have been under an extraordinary amount of stress lately. I have EKG's done which were normal, a holter monitor - normal, stress test - normal, echo - normal. I have just had a thallium stress test which showed something but they think it could be a false positive. I am being referred to a cardiologist. I am wondering if anyone else gets these symptoms from extreme stress or anxiety - I have no chest pains. I am also able to run 10km or more without any pain or shortness of breath. I guess I am really hoping for someone to tell me that they have these anxiety symptoms so I can rest a little easier. I am a little freaked out to be honest.
Posted 7/6/2009 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
Have you been checked by your dentist for TMJ?

When you rub your shoulders does it seem to ease up some? I have pain in my shoulders, neck , jaw due to TJM. I also get pain in my arm, shoulder, neck, jaw because I'm stressed.

When I rub my shoulder blade area I'll get a short relief before my muscles tighten back up. Some times (like now) my arm feels heavy or numb. But I also have pain in my shoulder which tells me my muscles are cramped up and I need to relax. But doing so is a different story.

Anxiety can cause a TON of symptoms. I have had and still get so many its unreal. Stress of course also causes a lot of hate and discontent in the body. Stress can cause anywhere from headaches to muscle spams to nightmares. Same with anxiety. Hand in hand its a double whammy of all heck.

Maybe try some relaxation techniques. Maybe get a nice deep massage. Take a long hot bath with some epsom salts and your favorite relaxing fragrance.

Hope this helps ya some!

Take care
Cary-Ann
Posted 7/6/2009 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
If you're still having these symptoms, I would make a doctor appt. It's probably nothing, but it helps to get reassurance from a doctor. Let us know what they say!
Posted 7/6/2009 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
hi,
It really sounds like TMJ to me, i had it and the dentist even extracted teeth that weren't the problem! A massage therapist told me what it was and she managed to relieve it for me. Since having it worked on i'm much better, that was about 5 years ago and it only flares up occasionally when i'm really stressed. I had to wear a gum splint at night as i was grinding my teeth also. Are you aware if you do that.
boo
Posted 7/6/2009 7:53 PM (GMT 0)

I am hoping it is TMJ but am not sure. The pains I experience in my jaw line are sharp sporadic pains.....does this sound like TMJ to you? Thanks for all your feed back.

Posted 7/6/2009 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
TMJ disorders cause tenderness and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the joint on each side of your head in front of your ears, where your lower jawbone meets your skull. This joint allows you to talk, chew and yawn.

Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:

  • Pain or tenderness of your jaw
  • Aching pain in and around your ear
  • Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
  • Aching facial pain
  • Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
  • Headache
  • Uncomfortable bite
  • An uneven bite, because one or more teeth are making premature contact

I would advise you to see your physician to rule out any medical issues first.  JMHO  :)

Posted 7/7/2009 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry, but I can relate.  I have been seeing my dentist for my jaw-clenching (related to stress) for about a year now.  I wear a bite splint (best money ever spent) daily.  However, there are times where this does not stop my clenching.

My clenching causes everything mentioned:  jaw pain that radiates down my neck to my shoulders, headaches (daily), uneven bite.  My dentist did an occlusion (sp? but this is= adjusting my bite by grinding my teeth down).  Didn't work.

I see a craniofacial specialist in July.  I just want some darn Percocet sometimes, but I know better and I know that is just temporary relief that masks the symptoms.

I take Effexor XR and Xanax PRN.  I also have Valium PRN (this is useless to me). 

I purchased some Lavender essential oil that I carry in my purse and rub on my neck and jaw.  I take ibuprofin, and I also use an ice pack.

It sucks, I hate it for you. 
Holly

 

Posted 7/7/2009 2:37 PM (GMT 0)

Great input by all and Holly I like the Lavender essential oil also.  Sometimes we find comfort in small things. 

I am proud to see the support in this thread.

Gentle Hugs to all,
Kitt

Posted 7/7/2009 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Have you tried getting an adjustment by an OMT practitioner or chiropractor? Maybe you've got something pinched in your neck or shoulder that is causing some of your pain. Sometimes they can also offer relief from TMJ as well if that is the case. Do you grind your teeth at night?
I hope you get some answers! It is so frustrating when you can't just get a clear diagnosis! Hang in there and hope you are feeling better!
~Dixi
Posted 7/7/2009 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
Went to the dentist and he said it could be the beginning of TMJ. My husband says that he does not think I grind my teeth at night and I guess if it is TMJ I don't even realize I am clenching my teeth. I just know that it happens when the stress is getting way too much for me and the shooting pains in my neck and jaw scare me. I have an appointment with a cardiologist on Friday so I am trying to hang in there. Thank you all for your support - I appreciate it.
Posted 7/8/2009 6:19 AM (GMT 0)
I used to grind my teeth so badly when I slept that it would wake up my husband. Now I just clench them. Poor teeth.....
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