Severe Discomfort in Neck and Jaw Area
Good evening, I’m a 34-year-old male dealing with intense discomfort in the area beneath my ears, radiating to the back of my head and neck. To provide some context, I received a dental crown over five weeks ago, and I had a persistent sinus infection that was treated with a complete course of Augmentin over three weeks ago. This past Monday night, I started feeling a pain in my neck that seemed like I had simply slept awkwardly. Unfortunately, this discomfort has worsened, prompting a visit to my primary care physician today. Following a thorough examination, I received a steroid injection, was prescribed a Medrol dose pack and Baclofen, and underwent both an ultrasound and X-rays. Below are the interpretations of the imaging. Swallowing is quite painful, especially on both sides of my neck just below my ears, where my doctor indicated the lymph nodes reside. I’m experiencing significant limitations when trying to turn my head or look upwards, and the entire situation is exceedingly uncomfortable. Despite taking Baclofen, the pain persists and intensifies. I’m uncertain if this is a situation requiring immediate attention, but I intend to consult further first thing in the morning. Any guidance on whether I should endure this discomfort or consider an emergency department visit would be appreciated. **EXAMINATION: Ultrasound of Soft Tissues in Head and Neck** **CLINICAL INDICATION:** 34-year-old male with cervical pain **TECHNIQUE:** A sonogram of the thyroid gland was conducted, focusing on its gray scale appearance and observing color Doppler flow. **COMPARISON:** None **FINDINGS:** There were no fluid collections, lymph node enlargement, or other abnormalities detected. A healthy-looking right cervical lymph node measures 1.4 x 0.5 x 0.9 cm. **IMPRESSION:** No abnormalities noted. **XRAY OF COMPLETE CERVICAL SPINE (AP/LATERAL/BOTH OBLIQUES) 4 VIEWS** **CLINICAL INDICATION:** 34-year-old male with bilateral neck pain persisting for one day, non-traumatic in nature. **COMPARISON:** None. **FINDINGS:** **Osseous Structures:** There is a reversal of the typical lordotic curve. A 1 mm anterior subluxation is seen at C2-3. The anatomical relationships between the anterior arch of C1, the dens, and the foramen magnum remain intact. The atlantoaxial joint spaces are normal. No fractures are present, and the posterior elements appear intact. **Disc Spaces:** Mild narrowing observed at the C4-5 joint space. **Prevertebral Soft Tissues:** Appear normal. **IMPRESSION:** No acute skeletal abnormalities are observed. Reversal of the normal lordosis is present along with mild joint space narrowing at C4-5.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 11:31:13 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your discomfort. It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with significant pain in your neck and jaw area. Given your symptoms and recent medical evaluations, I’ll provide some focused advice.
Main Points:
- Persistent neck and jaw pain, especially after recent dental work and sinus infection, can result from various causes.
- Your imaging results noted no acute abnormalities but did show some structural changes that may contribute to pain.
- If pain worsens or new symptoms appear, such as difficulty breathing, increased swelling, or high fever, medical attention may be required sooner.
Explanation: The pain you're experiencing could stem from musculoskeletal issues related to your recent crown procedure or even residual effects from the sinus infection. The injection and medications your doctor prescribed aim to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms, but it can take time for these treatments to provide relief. The ultrasound and X-rays suggest there are no significant issues with your lymph nodes or bones, which is reassuring.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your pain levels and any new symptoms. Take note of when it worsens or if you experience difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
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Pain Management: Continue taking the Baclofen as prescribed to help with muscle spasms. Consider using a warm compress on your neck to alleviate soreness, as heat can improve blood flow and reduce discomfort.
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Gentle Movement: While it may be painful, try gentle neck stretches and movements within your comfort range to avoid stiffness. Avoid abrupt movements or activities that cause discomfort.
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Consultation: Since your primary care physician is already involved, follow-up first thing in the morning as planned, especially if you notice any worsening symptoms overnight. If your pain escalates or you feel significantly unwell, consider visiting an emergency department sooner.
Please take care, and remember that it’s important to address severe discomfort as it may signal the need for further evaluation.
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