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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Formation Of Calcium Deposits On Both Sides Of Neck?

I recently went to the dentist to get a tooth pulled. they did a panoramic xray and saw that I have significant calcium deposits going down both sides of my neck. I called my family doctor and they can not get me in for3 weeks. I was wondering what causes the calcium deposits and how it is treated.
Mon, 9 Nov 2020
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi,

Calcium deposition within the structures of the neck seen on a panorex X-ray is usually indicative of calcification of the tendons of the neck muscles. These occur commonly in patients with certain metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and even cardiac disease, but finding calcium deposits on these tendons does NOT mean that you absolutely have one of these conditions. This usually occurs as a results of chronic low level inflammation occurring both throughout the body and more particularly in the tendons themselves.

Think of it like having chronic tendonitis of the neck muscles, and the body in an attempt to repair the tendons after the inflammation lays down calcium to 'reinforce' the tendons and strengthen them. The specific cause in your case, I can not be sure of. It definitely is worth having your PCP investigate this further, typically unless you are experiencing pain from these calcifications we try to just leave them alone, but if necessary a surgeon can reduce or remove them.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist
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What Causes Formation Of Calcium Deposits On Both Sides Of Neck?

Hi, Calcium deposition within the structures of the neck seen on a panorex X-ray is usually indicative of calcification of the tendons of the neck muscles. These occur commonly in patients with certain metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and even cardiac disease, but finding calcium deposits on these tendons does NOT mean that you absolutely have one of these conditions. This usually occurs as a results of chronic low level inflammation occurring both throughout the body and more particularly in the tendons themselves. Think of it like having chronic tendonitis of the neck muscles, and the body in an attempt to repair the tendons after the inflammation lays down calcium to reinforce the tendons and strengthen them. The specific cause in your case, I can not be sure of. It definitely is worth having your PCP investigate this further, typically unless you are experiencing pain from these calcifications we try to just leave them alone, but if necessary a surgeon can reduce or remove them. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist