Question
Hi how are you my name is Charlie Krepp I have read you profile and hope some day you may feel better. I am a 24 year old and have had chronic neck,facial, and often joint pain. Almost 5 years ago I crashed my motorcycle doing endos with no helmet on showing off I smashed my face into the pavement and was knocked out. Ever since then my neck is stiff alot, my jaw hurts often, and I feel dizzy. My doctor now says I may have TMJ but I still Have to check into it with a specialist. But I guess I was wondering how do you deal with it all the time? I always feel like a complainer to everyone close to me and often feel down nonenergetic. Any advice may help. Thank You!

Answer
Charlie,

Hello! Thanks for the well wishes:) Your accident sounds very familiar. I have heard chronic pain sufferers state many times that their pain usually began with some trauma, be it a wreck, a bad illness, or what have you. I had a bicycle wreck and landed pretty much like you did. Of course, bikes arent as volatile as motorcyles:) Anyway, on to the pain. It is quite possible that ligaments or muscles or both in your face and neck have become atrophed; it is the body's natural response to stiffen itself up and not move (in the thought to avoid further injury) when one is injured.  I'm betting you got whiplash as well, though I must point out Im not a doctor. But it sounds that way:) You should definately check with a neurologist and an orthopedic doctor if you havent already. The neurologist can determine if you've had brain damage, which is often hard to tellor see without an exam or MRI. Orthopedics can help with the movement issues. Physical therapy will help lots too. Almost all pain sufferers go through some type of it. TMJ sucks. I have it too, and there's very little to be done about it, barring breaking your jaw and having it reshaped.  For the time being, however, you might try heat.  Moist heat usually works best, but there are those who find that dry heat or even ice is better for them. I suggest a heating pad or a hand towel filled with uncooked rice and sewed together, then warmed in the microwave. Topical rubs and creams with ingredients like MGM, witch hazel, or peppermint might also help alot, as they penetrate to the muscles.  Your doctor can prescibe muscle relaxers, which will probably eliminate the stiffness in your neck.  However, I will stress again the importance of seeing a neurologist at least, and the orthopedist as well.  It can take five years or even longer for injuries to show up.  You wouldnt want your face to become paralized or anything! If there is anything else I can help you with, please feel free to ask.  Good luck, and God bless!
Sincerely,

Celeste