I’ve been having symptoms like pain in my throat/neck area, sometimes radiating to my shoulders, and a feeling of pressure or something stuck in my throat. I’m not sure if this could be Eagle Syndrome or if it’s more likely TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).
I’ve read in some of the threads here that a few members went through surgery for Eagle Syndrome but didn’t get full relief from their symptoms. That makes me wonder — is there a reliable way to know beforehand whether the problem is really Eagle Syndrome or if it’s actually TMJ?
Are there specific tests, scans, or exams that can clearly confirm Eagle Syndrome and rule out TMJ (or vice versa)? I learner that more than 3cm on styloid could be Eagle. But doctors say that after surgery symptoms can persist.
If anyone here has personal experience with this, I’d really appreciate hearing how you were able to tell the difference and reach the right diagnosis.
Wanted to quickly mention that a panoramic dental xray is an inexpensive and (depending on your location) quick way to be ~80% sure. The xray should show the styloid process and based on that you can often tell whether it’s elongated or shaped suspiciously. This is something I wish I knew earlier in my ordeal. (Links to research furnishable (eg. search for “panoramic xray and eagle’s syndrome” on PubMed)).
Edit:
Ah, I see you’ve had some scans done! Just want to mention I’m surprised by how… hyperintense your thyroid cartilage looks, but hard to tell without much experience with the software you used. Here’s me (using Aliza MS):
I also want to mention that I’ve had tons of issues with my masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoids (self-diagnosed). Basically chewing things got difficult, with some clicking accompanied by jaw movement. I’ve flirted with descriptions of TMJD, but with a right styloid of 3.2 cm, and clear styloidogenic IJV stenosis (83% occlusion by my measure) I got the styloidectomy and now in post-recovery.. Any other problems I’ve been managing with body-oriented meditation (eg Goenka Vipassana or here), exercise, etc.
Edit3: (Fiddled with the level window to show thyroid cartilage and … my thyroid glands looks like..)
@mjzago styloids are the more likely culprit of shoulders given their close proximity to the spinal accessory nerves (that innervate the trapezius muscles).
Given that you’ve lost your lordotic curve (as I can see in your 3D model), it’s possible that your styloids and/or hyoid/thyroid issues have caused prolonged compensatory poor posture, and that can easily irritate nerves.
@mjzago - When imaging shows elongated styloids & symptoms known to be related to ES are also present, there is a great likelihood that Eagle Syndrome is the proper diagnosis. ES can also cause TMJ type symptoms due to the nerves that can get irritated by elongated styloids/calcified stylohyoid ligaments. The symptoms you’ve mentioned are among those seen w/ ES. Having a consult w/ one of the ES surgeons in your country who are on our Doctors List could also help you feel more comfortable about whether or not your symptoms could be from ES. Dr. Martini has had very good reviews from our members who’ve seen him for surgery.
Often people who report surgery didn’t help do so soon after surgery but a number of months later, their pain goes away but they don’t come back to share the good news. In other cases, the styloids haven’t been cut back far enough to stop irritating the nerves, thus the need to see a very experienced ES surgeon. There are also cases where co-morbidities are the cause of ongoing symptoms but sometimes those aren’t discovered until after the styloidectomies have been done. It is good to make sure you’re well informed about symptoms & surgical approaches prior to considering surgery. It sounds like you’re working at doing that now.
Here’s a post about ES symptoms that @Jules wrote that may be helpful for you:
Very nice links and very educational. This community is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
I learnt with my physiotherapist about my pterygoid muscle. I never imagined that this existed. After getting a massage there (intraoral and external) I could relaxed and the pain disappeared . But pain still coming on next days. There are so many good information on the link you shared Jules. This is the home work for me for the next days. Thank you!
