Chronic Pain

hello i am new at forums so here goes: i have had tmjx16 years, bite gaurds no help, grind and clencdh 24/7 pcp doesn't treat the 2 dentists on my plan don't treat. my jaw is locked after 4 days of the constant clicking that makes you see stars, now locked talking hurts. pain management for spinal stenosis won't treat. unable to eat ear hurts hair hurts. there is no gaurentee that the er will do any sort of xrays, could just say " you have tmj go some where else" i haven't eaten solid food for 3 days . any suggestions????? PLEASE HELP!!!!!

I feel for you. On one side your lucky. You have classic TMJ symptoms and can follow treatment for TMJ. There's lots of info on the web for tmj. My wife has been using bite guards for years, The only diagnosis they can come up with is tmj she has no poping ,clicking,only pain mainly in the cheeks. Proplem TMJ is not covered under some insurances. I've spent alot out of pocket for treatment I've had good luck billing under medical insurance not my dental. Have you looked at the surgery option? I'm not an advocate of surgery only as a last resource.
good luck be strong.
mr painfull

Hi Reba,
I'm sorry that you had to find us, but hopefully you are feeling better or on your way to feeling better.
Did you read the articles on TMJ disorder here at Chronic Pain Connection?
You can find them here: http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/tmj.html?ic=4025

Have you asked either your PCP or general dentists if they can refer you to someone who *does* treat TMJ disorder? If not, have you asked one of them if they could order the beginning imaging to get started on a diagnosis? This would be x-rays and possibly an MRI.

I would try your PCP and dentist before you go to the emergency room. Make sure you let them know that the pain is unbearable and must be treated.

Let us know how you're doing! Hang in there
sincerely,
stacy