Posted by: JanB ®
10/18/2014, 13:03:10
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I'm not a doctor or other medical professional, but as far as I know, SD affects only the vocal folds and associated musculature -- and it should not cause pain. Perhaps you have a related condition, or perhaps whatever is causing pain is completely separate from SD (in other words, maybe you have more than one condition). Pain in the jaw/chin sounds more like a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issue. But I don't know if TMJ problems could cause pain in your neck or shoulders. Where are you located? If possible, you should see an experienced head/neck specialist -- someone who is very familiar with SD and other disorders affecting the head, neck, throat, etc. In the meantime, take a look at the Mayo Clinic's web site, which has a symptom checker. The symptom checker can provide you with a few preliminary ideas about the various conditions that could cause the symptoms you are experiencing. Just a thought.
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Posted by: bjd ®
10/19/2014, 16:16:55
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Sounds like you also may have Meige, or Cervical types of Dystonia also. I know I do. Dystonia can strike many parts of the body. I know for me pain is one of the biggest factors. You may also check out the BEB, or Dystonia bulletin boards. You will find people with Dystonia in other parts of the body.
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Posted by: Liliana ®
11/23/2014, 23:30:17
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I think that it is quite possible that the pain from your jaw to your shoulders is due to SD. My doctor at the most prestigious teaching hospital in Oregon,Oregon Health & Sciences University,has told me that the neurological problems that cause the laryngeal muscles to spasm also cause the neck, shoulder, and hands to spasm. I had wondered about my neck and shoulders for a long time, but I didn't have the SD diagnosis and no one could explain it to me. I also have painful hands. He asked how writing was for me, but we write so rarely now it is not a problem. The problem for me is knitting!
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Posted by: Keith ®
11/23/2014, 18:04:56
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Without knowing the level of pain you are referring to, is it conceivable that your pain is stress related from trying to fight through the symptoms of SD? Shortly after I was first diagnosed, I had help from a few excellent SLPs. They taught me that when we struggle with SD, we tense up in many different areas - especially the mouth, jaw, neck, etc. By trying to fight through the symptoms, we overwork other physical apparatuses. You may well have other issues as a few responders indicated, but I can't help but wonder if some of it is what I am describing. It can work conversely also, in that any tension in various areas of the body - particularly the neck, shoulders, mouth, etc., can manifest itself at the level of the larynx thus exacerbating the symptoms of the SD. Have you done any speech therapy? Do you have AB or AD? Best,
Keith
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Posted by: gr3ykn1gh7 ®
11/28/2014, 05:21:13
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Thanks for your responses, and for helping to confirm the issue. Half-way through the second round of treatment (going monthly) I could feel the muscles in the aforementioned areas relax a bit. Unfortunately it didn't last long. If I have to speak for more than an hour a day, my muscles are so tired and painful at the end of the day that it's impossible to hold my head up correctly, or chew a meal well. The doctor also has me on muscle relaxants but they seem mostly ineffective. I have yet to begin voice therapy.
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Posted by: Liliana ®
11/28/2014, 19:41:47
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Sorry you are having so much trouble. I wanted to let you know that I also use massage for relief from neck and shoulder pain. The tightness and pain, though, is relentless. My Doctor happened to mention that botox is also used for neck and shoulder spasms.
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