who should i see about this issue? (neck pain and swelling)

[meg-momto2]

i've got some awful stuff going on with the right side of my neck and face. it all started after some dental work in June. my jaw locked up a few times from being propped open for so long. i was told i have slight TMJ issues years ago but really haven't had any jaw pain in ages. just some clicking and some ear pain. almost immediately after the dental work i had swelling all down my neck. other symptoms are difficulty swallowing at times. swollen lymph node at base of skull. facial swelling up to my under eye. tight shoulder and tender neck following the eustachian tube.

i've seen my regular doctor who thought it was a blocked eustachian tube and thought an ENT doctor would help. went to see an ENT and he said there's nothing he can do and told me it was TMJ. i have an appointment with a TMJ doctor in three weeks. i've also been seeing a chiropractor since July and she's concerned with how much swelling there is. it seems to be getting worse. there's a constant ache in my neck. i'm starting to think this is bigger then TMJ issues i'm just not sure who else to see. not once has anyone suggested an x-ray, catscan or MRI and i think i need one at this point. do i go back to my primary doctor? another specialist?

[meg-momto2]

anyone?

i'm going to get back into my regular doctor for now. i'm really doubting it's TMJ issues since i have no jaw pain or discomfort. i think may have some nerve issues seeing as the pain goes down my arm now and then. hopefully they'll be able to point me in the right direction.

[sbgrace]

Nerve issues would be neurology and that sounds like something that should be on the table. Your regular doctor can order an MRI ahead of the neuro appt. and I would think he/she would based on those symptoms. Any numbness or tingling?

Any fever or signs of infection?

[meg-momto2]

thank you for responding sbgrace. that gives me some direction that i needed.

yes, numbness and tingling in right arm. pain in elbow and wrist at times. i tend to favor my left arm when on the computer and i'm right handed. i also have problems turning my head right but not left.

no fever. no tooth pain or signs of abscess either. that's something i considered since this all started after dental work.

i did fall on my right shoulder over two years ago but haven't had any issues until the dental work. i did see my doctor and had an x-ray but nothing showed up on it.

[sbgrace]

Ah, you do need neurology in my opinion. I would push for an MRI ahead of the appointment if your doctor is pushable. Mine did that and it saved us time in that the neurologist had results at the initial appointment.