Tongue Pain: Causes and Connections to Neck Tension

Tongue issues?

A few months ago, I experienced pain in my tongue that took a long time to improve.
During that time, I was very worried and visited the clinic several times, as well as underwent an oral examination, but they all said there was nothing concerning.
Later, it was strange that after taking B vitamins a few times, the initial pain (which was at the tip of my tongue) shifted to the entire tongue, with the pain varying from left to right throughout the day.
Eventually, the pain moved to the base of my tongue, and then the symptoms disappeared.
A month later, I started to feel a burning sensation in the area just behind the right side of my tongue.
I went to the clinic for an examination, and the doctor noted redness but said it looked normal, possibly due to a cold.
A few days later, the burning sensation returned in that area.
After looking in the mirror for a long time, I noticed that the burning sensation seemed to originate from the back of my tongue, at the junction of my throat and mouth.
Could you please tell me what this situation might be? I have a history of cervical spine injury and shoulder issues, and my neck and shoulders are often tense.
Could this tension in my neck and shoulders potentially cause these symptoms?

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/13

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology

General glossitis or ulcers may occur, and some autoimmune diseases (such as Sjögren's syndrome) could also be responsible.
If there are issues at the junction, it is advisable to visit a medical center for further examination (such as endoscopy or blood tests).
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/08/13

More Info

Understanding tongue pain can be complex, especially when it is associated with other symptoms such as neck tension and discomfort. Based on your description, it seems that your tongue pain has evolved over time, initially starting at the tip and then spreading to different areas of the tongue, including the root. This shifting pain, along with the burning sensation you experience, can be indicative of several underlying issues.

Firstly, it is important to consider the possibility of muscle tension in the neck and shoulders contributing to your symptoms. Chronic tension in the cervical region can lead to referred pain, which means that pain originating from one area (in this case, the neck) can manifest in another area (such as the tongue). The muscles in the neck and shoulders are interconnected with the muscles of the jaw and tongue, and tension in these areas can lead to discomfort or pain in the tongue.

Additionally, the nervous system plays a crucial role in how pain is perceived. The trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing, also has branches that innervate the tongue. If there is irritation or compression of this nerve due to neck tension or injury, it could potentially lead to sensations of pain or discomfort in the tongue.

Your history of cervical spine injury may also be relevant. Injuries to the neck can lead to changes in posture and muscle function, which can exacerbate tension and pain in surrounding areas. This could explain the connection between your neck issues and the pain you are experiencing in your tongue.

Furthermore, the burning sensation you describe at the back of your tongue and throat could be related to a condition known as burning mouth syndrome. This condition is characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth without an obvious cause. It can be associated with various factors, including nutritional deficiencies (such as B vitamins), hormonal changes, or even psychological factors like anxiety and stress. Since you mentioned that taking B vitamins seemed to alleviate some of your symptoms, it might be worth exploring this avenue further with your healthcare provider.

Another potential cause of your symptoms could be oral thrush or other infections, especially if you have experienced any recent illness or changes in your immune system. While you mentioned that previous examinations did not reveal any significant issues, it may be beneficial to have a thorough evaluation by an oral specialist or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor to rule out any underlying infections or conditions.

In summary, your tongue pain could be multifactorial, involving muscle tension from your neck injury, potential nerve involvement, and possibly nutritional deficiencies or infections. It is advisable to continue consulting with healthcare professionals who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and consider treatments such as physical therapy for neck tension, dietary adjustments, or further diagnostic testing if necessary. Keeping a symptom diary, noting when the pain occurs and any associated activities or stressors, may also help your healthcare provider in determining the best course of action.

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