Tongue cramps. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Rachael x · 11-12-2010, 04:50 AM

Okay this might sound really weird but do any of you suffer from tongue cramps?

For me it all started a few months ago...
I fell asleep and was woken but a really bad pain in left side of my tongue.
It feels like cramp and is so so so painful.

It lasted all of that night and by the morning it was so painful I couldnt eat, speak or drink anything! It finally wore off at around 6pm the next day.

Since then I have been getting them off and on.
Usually it happens if I havnt had anything to eat for a while, then when I go to eat something I get this cramp in the left side of my tongue (its always the left side near the back).
Usually I force myself to chew and the pain goes away after a few minutes.
This usually happens 1-2 times a week.

Last night while eating I got the cramps again, I forced myself to chew but the pain didnt go away.
Its 12:48 in the afternoon now and I still have the cramps, its so painful.

I googled 'tongue cramps' but everything I found was cramping due to yawning, but mine is usually eating.
Im assuming its cramp with the tongue being a muscle, but have you experienced this?

I want it to stop!

TatumsMom · 11-12-2010, 06:50 AM

I thought I was the only weirdo!! just kidding

I have had this happen when I strain my tongue to say, reach a piece of food that I feel stuck between my back teeth or something. I've done it a few times over the years but I guess that's similar to the tongue cramps with yawning.

Rachael x · 11-12-2010, 06:53 AM

Its so painful I hate it

wish I knew how to stop it! grrr.

TatumsMom · 11-12-2010, 06:55 AM

I know... really! The pain shoots down the side of your neck - kinda next to the esophagus and kinda into your ear. I don't know what else to tell you. I at least know what has caused mine so I try not to do that.

celstu1 · 11-12-2010, 07:05 AM

Rachel, I hate to sound like the paranoid one here and I'm usually not.. but shouldn't you see a doctor?? I had a friend this past summer who kept getting canker sores on her tongue in the same spot. She finally went to the dentist and they looked and sent her to her doctor. Turned out to be cancer. She lost 1/2 her tongue, they did a skin graft from her forearm for her tongue and one from her thigh for her forearm. She had to learn how to eat, talk and do anything with her mouth again and she is only 30.

I also read that this could be the beginning signs of Parkinson's disease. I'd see your primary care doctor if I were you just to get to the bottom of it. It could easily be anxiety also, which meds could help you with.

celstu1 · 11-12-2010, 07:07 AM

ooppss... dupe post

Rachael x · 11-12-2010, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by celstu1

Rachel, I hate to sound like the paranoid one here and I'm usually not.. but shouldn't you see a doctor?? I had a friend this past summer who kept getting canker sores on her tongue in the same spot. She finally went to the dentist and they looked and sent her to her doctor. Turned out to be cancer. She lost 1/2 her tongue, they did a skin graft from her forearm for her tongue and one from her thigh for her forearm. She had to learn how to eat, talk and do anything with her mouth again and she is only 30.

I also read that this could be the beginning signs of Parkinson's disease. I'd see your primary care doctor if I were you just to get to the bottom of it. It could easily be anxiety also, which meds could help you with.

Wow thats scary stuff!
The pain has gone now because Ive just forced myself to eat something... But I think Im going to make an appointment with the doctor just to rule out anything serious.
With the food thing when I say I havnt eaten for a while I mean a few hours not days LOL! usually I have my breakfast around 9am start work at 11am and have my lunch around 3pm so its not that long in between but for some reason I still get cramps. Just wanted to let you all know that Im not starving myself.

But thanks for the tips.. I will contact my doctor, I wanted to speak to someone about my RLS anyway so it gives me another reason to make an appointment.

kjc · 11-12-2010, 08:22 AM

I get some kind of spasm occasionally, haven't had it for a while so I don't remember if it's in my tongue or throat. As I am old, I have been getting muscle spasms in muscles that I didn't even know I had. The last episode was upon waking from an evening nap and I had spasms in my shins so bad I was about ready to go to the hospital. I hate going to the hospital at night, so instead I grabbed my bottle of Kahlua, opened it and took a shot. Well, it worked so quickly.... those spasms melted right away. Don't know if that's appropriate for you to try or not...

but I would also see a doctor....

cally930 · 11-12-2010, 10:50 AM

Usually, and I mean usually, regular body cramps are due to dehydration or potassium deficiency. I really have never heard of tongue cramps, though, so I really shouldn't comment. I get very bad cramps the day after I have not had enough water - not that same day. If its potassium that you are lacking - well have a banana or two.

But, all kidding aside - I really would make an appointment for a complete physical.

FlDebra · 11-12-2010, 10:59 AM

Lack of calcium can sometimes cause this too. I had some weird things after my thyroid was removed. They damaged my parathyroid (it maintains proper calcium levels) and my tongue and lips went sort of numb and felt crampy. They gave me massive doses of calcium and it went away. Luckily for me, my parathyroids came back on line and I was okay.

I would probably ask your doc about this. Maybe you could even ask his nurse what she thinks -- like if an appointment is necessary. They will probably say "yes" but at least you know they think it worth the time to come in then.

Actually this could be caused by the same thingthat is causing your RLS. Same sort of thing. I think they are currently thinking dopamine imbalance is responsible for RLS. Do you take anything for RLS -- the med might help for this too.

143julz · 11-12-2010, 11:00 AM

Do you have TMJ at all? Do you ever having "popping" in your jaw area??

I had an ortodontic appt Tue, my bite is outta wack and misaligned, the Dr was surprised that I didn't suffer from it...I never heard it before until then, but one of the MANY questions he asked was if I had tounge cramps??? LOL

He also stuck his fingers in EARS and asked me to move my mouth (lower jaw) side to side, to see if my jaw was popping...REALLY, in my ears???

ANYHOO, long story here, i need BRACES AGAIN, I had them as a child, and need them as an adult

ONLY ME!!! I am an ortodontic poster child!!!

yorkieusa · 11-12-2010, 02:51 PM

Gosh! That sounds so painful. I hope you find a dr that can really help you. The calcium idea is a good thought. Have you tried either drinking something hot or washing your mouth out with really warm water? I've never heard of this, but I can imagine it is quite miserable. Good luck and let us know what the dr has to say.

Rachael x · 11-16-2010, 08:56 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone.
I havnt had the chance to make an appointment with the doctor yet as Ive had a really busy weekend.
FlDebra: no I dont take any meds for my RLS but I will mention it to the doctor.
143julz: no I dont suffer from TMJ

laughlady99 · 09-08-2015, 02:08 PM

Hello, did you ever figure anything out regarding this?

Animal_Lover · 11-27-2015, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laughlady99

Hello, did you ever figure anything out regarding this?

I was reading this and, like you, curious as to the outcome. I had a look and it seems the last time this person was active here was 11-10-2013.

11-12-2010, 04:50 AM	#1
Rachael x Poppy's Mamma ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: England Posts: 3,751 Blog Entries: 3	Tongue cramps. Okay this might sound really weird but do any of you suffer from tongue cramps? For me it all started a few months ago... I fell asleep and was woken but a really bad pain in left side of my tongue. It feels like cramp and is so so so painful. It lasted all of that night and by the morning it was so painful I couldnt eat, speak or drink anything! It finally wore off at around 6pm the next day. Since then I have been getting them off and on. Usually it happens if I havnt had anything to eat for a while, then when I go to eat something I get this cramp in the left side of my tongue (its always the left side near the back). Usually I force myself to chew and the pain goes away after a few minutes. This usually happens 1-2 times a week. Last night while eating I got the cramps again, I forced myself to chew but the pain didnt go away. Its 12:48 in the afternoon now and I still have the cramps, its so painful. I googled 'tongue cramps' but everything I found was cramping due to yawning, but mine is usually eating. Im assuming its cramp with the tongue being a muscle, but have you experienced this? I want it to stop! __________________ Rachael & Poppy

11-12-2010, 06:50 AM	#2
TatumsMom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: TX Posts: 2,799	I thought I was the only weirdo!! just kidding I have had this happen when I strain my tongue to say, reach a piece of food that I feel stuck between my back teeth or something. I've done it a few times over the years but I guess that's similar to the tongue cramps with yawning. __________________ ~ Angie

11-12-2010, 06:53 AM	#3
Rachael x Poppy's Mamma ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: England Posts: 3,751 Blog Entries: 3	Its so painful I hate it wish I knew how to stop it! grrr. __________________ Rachael & Poppy

11-12-2010, 06:55 AM	#4
TatumsMom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: TX Posts: 2,799	I know... really! The pain shoots down the side of your neck - kinda next to the esophagus and kinda into your ear. I don't know what else to tell you. I at least know what has caused mine so I try not to do that. __________________ ~ Angie

11-12-2010, 07:05 AM	#5
celstu1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 10,534	Rachel, I hate to sound like the paranoid one here and I'm usually not.. but shouldn't you see a doctor?? I had a friend this past summer who kept getting canker sores on her tongue in the same spot. She finally went to the dentist and they looked and sent her to her doctor. Turned out to be cancer. She lost 1/2 her tongue, they did a skin graft from her forearm for her tongue and one from her thigh for her forearm. She had to learn how to eat, talk and do anything with her mouth again and she is only 30. I also read that this could be the beginning signs of Parkinson's disease. I'd see your primary care doctor if I were you just to get to the bottom of it. It could easily be anxiety also, which meds could help you with. __________________ “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― Dean Koontz

11-12-2010, 07:07 AM	#6
celstu1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 10,534	ooppss... dupe post __________________ “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― Dean Koontz

11-12-2010, 08:22 AM	#8
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,866	I get some kind of spasm occasionally, haven't had it for a while so I don't remember if it's in my tongue or throat. As I am old, I have been getting muscle spasms in muscles that I didn't even know I had. The last episode was upon waking from an evening nap and I had spasms in my shins so bad I was about ready to go to the hospital. I hate going to the hospital at night, so instead I grabbed my bottle of Kahlua, opened it and took a shot. Well, it worked so quickly.... those spasms melted right away. Don't know if that's appropriate for you to try or not... but I would also see a doctor.... __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

11-12-2010, 10:50 AM	#9
cally930 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Mt. Sinai, New York Posts: 910	Usually, and I mean usually, regular body cramps are due to dehydration or potassium deficiency. I really have never heard of tongue cramps, though, so I really shouldn't comment. I get very bad cramps the day after I have not had enough water - not that same day. If its potassium that you are lacking - well have a banana or two. But, all kidding aside - I really would make an appointment for a complete physical. __________________ Cally Coco & Beckham

11-12-2010, 10:59 AM	#10
FlDebra Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: FL Posts: 7,651	Lack of calcium can sometimes cause this too. I had some weird things after my thyroid was removed. They damaged my parathyroid (it maintains proper calcium levels) and my tongue and lips went sort of numb and felt crampy. They gave me massive doses of calcium and it went away. Luckily for me, my parathyroids came back on line and I was okay. I would probably ask your doc about this. Maybe you could even ask his nurse what she thinks -- like if an appointment is necessary. They will probably say "yes" but at least you know they think it worth the time to come in then. Actually this could be caused by the same thingthat is causing your RLS. Same sort of thing. I think they are currently thinking dopamine imbalance is responsible for RLS. Do you take anything for RLS -- the med might help for this too. __________________ FlDebra and her ABCs Annie, Ben, Candy Promoting Healthy Breeding to the AKC Yorkshire Terrier Standard Last edited by FlDebra; 11-12-2010 at 11:03 AM.

11-12-2010, 11:00 AM	#11
143julz Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 1,294	Do you have TMJ at all? Do you ever having "popping" in your jaw area?? I had an ortodontic appt Tue, my bite is outta wack and misaligned, the Dr was surprised that I didn't suffer from it...I never heard it before until then, but one of the MANY questions he asked was if I had tounge cramps??? LOL He also stuck his fingers in EARS and asked me to move my mouth (lower jaw) side to side, to see if my jaw was popping...REALLY, in my ears??? ANYHOO, long story here, i need BRACES AGAIN, I had them as a child, and need them as an adult ONLY ME!!! I am an ortodontic poster child!!! __________________ Dudley Doo and Dexter too!!! RIP (12/93-10/08) MY LIL JULZ!!!

11-12-2010, 02:51 PM	#12
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	Gosh! That sounds so painful. I hope you find a dr that can really help you. The calcium idea is a good thought. Have you tried either drinking something hot or washing your mouth out with really warm water? I've never heard of this, but I can imagine it is quite miserable. Good luck and let us know what the dr has to say. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

11-16-2010, 08:56 AM	#13
Rachael x Poppy's Mamma ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: England Posts: 3,751 Blog Entries: 3	Thanks for the replies everyone. I havnt had the chance to make an appointment with the doctor yet as Ive had a really busy weekend. FlDebra: no I dont take any meds for my RLS but I will mention it to the doctor. 143julz: no I dont suffer from TMJ __________________ Rachael & Poppy

09-08-2015, 02:08 PM	#14
laughlady99 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: OH Posts: 1	Hello, did you ever figure anything out regarding this?