I suffer from burning mouth syndrome, facial tingling and eye pain. And one of my doctors has come up with a theory about my condition that I had never considered. Whiplash.

I was in a bad car accident 30 years ago. I’m now 50. My doctor, who is a whiplash and interventional pain specialist, ordered a special MRI that examines the alar transverse ligaments – the ones that connect the occiput with the atlas vertebrae. My ligaments were abnormal, consistent with whiplash injury. Because I’ve had BMS since only June of 2009, I couldn’t imagine why a car accident from 30 years ago could be playing a role, although I have suffered for months with cervicogenic vertico and spasms of the neck muscles. My doctor theorized that youth compensated for the damaged ligaments for these last three decades, but now that I’m older, my neck muscles can no longer compensate.

He stated with confidence that he sees orofacial pain – tongue symptoms, eye pain and tingling face – commonly in his whiplash patients. He was also suspicious of dental appliances I wore from January to May of 2009 for TMJ, because my BMS started in June. The applianced, combined with the damaged ligaments, may have brought all this on.

Does anyone else have similar experience?

Dbrow

Hi dbrow,

I am new to this sight, but my husband has occipital neuralgia caused by a minor whiplash injury. My husband had found some relief with chiro adjustment by a NUCCA trained Chiro. NUCCA stands for National Upper Cervicial Care Association. They adjust the C1 and C2 in the neck. It is a very light adjustment, no snapping or popping.

Hope you find some help in dealing with the terrible problem.

Amy

This is a really interesting thread.

I can see your whiplash symptoms asserting themselves as age causes natural degeneration in your neck.

I suffered a serious whiplash a few years back. To this day, even the slightest pressure on my neck causes pain.

While I don't have pain in my eyes, one doesn't track properly and flutters. Some areas of my face I can't feel at all and others, like my lips and tip of my nose, tingle. However, my worst symptoms is intense stabing ear pain. Does anyone else have this one?

Cheers

I was bucked of my horse in my teens and it took 15 yrs of repetitive assembly work & hitting my 40's for it to start showing as as chronic head/neck, upper back, arms & hand problems.
Age & repetitive work took the final toll.

I was perfectly fine, strong & healthy all the years in between.