AboutSteven C. Scherr, D.D.S. Expertise My expertise is in the areas of TMJ Dysfunction, Tension Headaches and Occluso-muscle Disorders. I am a dentist with 19 years of experience, including hospital residency (Sinai Hospital of Baltimore), and training at the L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Currently in private TMJ Dysfunction and Comprehensive Rehabilitative Practice near Baltimore, Maryland.
Experience I was the Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School in 1981. I served as a General Practice Resident at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in 1981-82, and have been in private practice since that time. My practice is now located in Owings Mills, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore. My studies at the L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Florida has enriched my practice and my patients. It was there that I learned the true meaning of caring and excellence.
Question I have a small, sensitive area on my scalp - back of my head, slightly right of center, level with the top of my ear. No broken skin or head trauma. What concerns me is that any pressure on this area (even very light touch)sends a pain to my lower right jaw (feels like a toothache.)When the pressure is removed, the pain stops. One year ago, I had my lower, right wisdom tooth removed, with no problems since. Online research has left me confused. Are the occipital nerves and the trigeminal nerves connected (through the trigemino-cervical nucleus?) If so, could pressure on the occipital nerve refer pain to the trigeminal nerve? What is your opinion, and should I be concerned? Thanks so much for your time.
Answer Michelle,
Your description is consistent with myofascial pain syndrome. The pain source is a tight band of muscle, called a trigger point, that refers pain to another site. There are typical patterns of referral. You may want to google Janet Travell (she did the initial mapping of trigger point referral patterns) and trigger points to see if this doesn't sound like what you have experienced.
Myofascial pain syndrome, other than the pain symptom itself, does not involve harm to the body. Treatment is needed only if the pain is problematic.
