Question
QUESTION: HI! first i want to thank you for taking the time to answer everyones Q's! I had a car accident about 2 yrs ago and had a burning sensation in my neck all way down my back, the paramedics said i had whiplash (i didn't know it caused burning)I had a lumbar spine done and it read early grade I Spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1. My TMJ was affected by the accident and the pain from that has controlled my life (had 2 jaw surgeries and jaw not better :() Yes, i did try physical therapy  and acupuncture and cranial sacral therapy for jaw so as you can tell my life has been run by that! Now i have firbromyalgia and lupus! with so much going on i just assumed my back hurt because of the way hold my neck because of jaw! Anyway, now i can barely get off the couch without pain, sit down to dinner with family or walks because of my right hip pain and lower back is sooo bad!Help!! I am a mother of three and am missing their life!  thank you, sablewolfe

ANSWER: Hi Melanie,

TMJ: Are you currently seeing a TMJ specialist for your jaw pain? Sometimes the TMJ can be a tricky joint and it takes some trial and error with different therapies. At this point you haven't mentioned chiropractic care or laser therapy. Chiropractors who treat TMJ can use mobilizations, adjustments, laser therapy and myofascial release to get your jaw moving properly and alleviate the pain.

Low back and hip pain: Your low back pain is most likely due to your L5/S1 Spondylolisthesis and fibromyalgia(resulting from the lupus). Is your low back pain affecting your sleep?  I would recommend that you try aqua massage to help with the pain from fibromyalgia. It can help alleviate some of the low back and generalized muscle pain and also allow you to sleep better. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) often times presents with fibromyalgia resulting in widespread muscle and joint pain. Aqua massage and water exercise therapy can be quite helpful in getting you moving again.

I would also recommend that you speak to your rheumatologist about your lupus and also seeing a Chiropractor or physical therapist who can help with you low back and hip pain.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Liza

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, I am seeing a doctor for jaw. we tried splint therapy but made it worse.I had an MRI done on my jaw and it showed a little deteration on left and some on right, hence the surgeries, i was tired of constant migraines and such!the car accident acerbated my tmj a lot! we did injections after one of the surgeries but not much help. Now he has told me to see a different doc for jaw replacement since he could not help anymore!
My hips hurt all the time as does my back. while sleeping, even on rozerem and flexeril i still do not sleep well. Just sitting hurts my hips and my lower back going up my back! I al getting pt for this right now so i hope it works. You mentioned aqua therapy, we have a spa at home will this help ?  thank you mel

ANSWER: Hi Melanie,

What sort of spa do you have at home? Many forms of water therapy will be beneficial so if you have a jacuzzi you can add some epsom salts to the water and put your lower back against the water jets. This should provide some temporary relief. Just ensure that you do not use hot (above body temp) water.

All the best,

Dr. Liza

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your prompt reply, sorry I did not get back sooner but i was in a lot of back and neck pain just from my physical therapy evaluation! At the time it was a bit uncomfortable but after i got home  i could barely move my neck!? The type of spa is Jacuzzi with a ton of jets! I also have a tub that has jets as well so i will try the Epsom salt and see what happens. Is the salt to help with the fibromyalgia L5 on S1 problem or both? my hip hurts so bad that to take my son to school and back (20 min.) I can barely walk when i get out of the car! Oh, the doctor said i had bursitis as well! not quite sure what that is but it hurts!
Thank you so much for your help,
      mel

Answer
HI Mel,

The epsom salt baths will help with the fibromyalgia by helping you sleep better and provide some relief to your aching muscles. Your physical therapist should be able to help you with your hip bursitis. Hip bursitis is a common cause for hip pain.

http://www.medicinenet.com/hip_bursitis/article.htm

Take care,

Dr. Liza