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I am a new TMJ sufferer and was searching the web and came across TMJ friends. Registered there only to be redirected to here!!
I am on a quest for information. I do not know anyone with this condition and boy does it hurt.
My story quickly. When I was 4 or 5, I was hit by a baseball bat in the jaw (I was a little too close and they threw it a little too far). I just remember crying. When I was 12, my jaw locked up for hours. I was so scared but didn't tell my parents at the time. I have no idea why? Maybe they wouldn't believe me?
I'm 40 now and have always had a jaw that clicked on my left side and I clench my teeth at night apparantely. My dentist gave me a mouth guard just last fall and he noticed my teeth looked like I grind them.
Well, just this past Monday I woke up in terrible pain. I have had a dull earache for a month now and now realize it is connected to TMJ. I wasn't sure if I should go to my dr or dentist. I opted for dentist and he adjusted my mouth splint/guard and massaged the inside of my cheek where the ligament joins the jaw. It was clicking. He advised me to see a chiropractor, I see one tomorrow and to come back to him in 2 weeks to see how I am doing. My dentist is very proactive with TMJ. He also mentioned ? tens? or little muscle pads? Any of you use this?
I am here to find out how you manage, what all you suffer from specifically and what you take for pain. I have a constant, every 30 sec to a minute, sharp nerve like pain right under my ear that goes down my jaw? Is this normal - what do I take?
I'm a busy mom of 4 kids and have my own home based business - thank god - because this week has been rough and going out to work everyday would have been brutal.
Look forward to chatting with you all. I hope I have found a home here.
I have used TEN's in the past (LOVE IT) and also use moist heat (rice in a (clean ) sock warmed in the microwave for about 1 min (feel to make sure it's warm enuf/not too hot). You place that on your jaw muscles. I have a nueromusclular splint that I wear 22 hours a day (take out when I eat or drink coffee). It's been a life savor for me.
I think going to your dentist is a good start (my opinion !). I've never done chiropractic work, I've done myofascial therapy, physical therapy (Sports therapy) and my own stretches at home. Let us know how the chiropractic sessions go.
Glad you found us in our new home. As Tami mentioned in her post, moist head and ice work great for sore muscles. I haven't used a TENS before but have heard many stories about them and from what I hear, they work great. I have a splint that I wear at night because I also clench and grind my teeth when I sleep. Along with TMJ, I also have Fibromyalgia and am taking 30 mg of Amitriptyline for my pain. It has been good so far with helping both my Fibro and TMJ. It is never a bad idea to see your doctor regarding your TMJ as well as your dentist.
I hope you can get some relief soon.
Hugs,
Bekah
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "When the mind, body and spirit work as one...anything is possible. -Criss Angel *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* My SharePosts are here http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/1389/
) sock warmed in the microwave for about 1 min (feel to make sure it's warm enuf/not too hot). You place that on your jaw muscles. I have a nueromusclular splint that I wear 22 hours a day (take out when I eat or drink coffee). It's been a life savor for me.
