Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

And if so - how do/did you treat it?

I think I have a pretty bad case of it ... all the symptoms I'm having seem to fall into that category when I look online for info.

But now of course I'm not sure what to do for it really It seems like there is no set treatment for it

Any advice?

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

You'll have FM in a few!

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

Yes, I have it. I use muscle relaxers prescribed by my doctor. I'm a grinder, but the teeth guard from my dentist doesn't work, I pull it out while I am sleeping. So the only thing I can do is use pain killer and/or muscle relaxer and hot compress.

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

I suffer from TMJ ...my dentist had me use a night guard-for the grinding which then made my tmj feel worse...unless it gets really bad there wasnt much he suggested-activities to relieve stress-pain killers-but if it gets very bad and locking becomes an issue there is a surgery available...severe cases

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

You should see a doctor to diagnose you. People have it for different reasons and from there they can offer you relief based on what causes it. I got braces when I was 22 years old. So my TMJ was a result of the shifting of my adult teeth into an awkward position. I saw an ear, nose and throat specialist. JUst by looking at me speak he told me what was wrong with me. I had seen so many doctors and been to the ER b/c of the pain and nobody really nailed that it was TMJ until I saw him.

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

yes I have it!

mainly b /c i clench my teeth in my sleep...I sleep with a mouth gaurd..which helps! You could see your dentist about it

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

Thank you all for the great advice
I know that TMJ is a tough thing to diagnose sometimes and i actually went to an ENT because I initially thought there was a problem with my ear, because I feel a lot of pressure in it .. but when the ENT told me my ear was clear, he suggested it might be TMJ since I then started feeling the clicking and popping/crackling in my right jaw area..

I'm 9 months preggo right now SO I'm not sure there is much I can do about it, I will prob. wait until after I deliver to look into this.. but I guess the dentist is my next step

Thank you all again for the info!!

Scarletbegonia - I appreciate the FM -- will w/b in a few!

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

Hey mama...

I have had TMJ bad since I was 17. I tried the made teeth brace for night, and about 5 other kinds, they didnt work.

Now my tmj joint is literally damaged and I need surgery to clean out the joint and reinsert the bone to fix the problem.

Issue is my insurance doesnt cover it and Its about $7K and well, I dont think Im ever gonna do it to be honest.

I FEEL your pain. Sometimes My jaw hurts so bad I could cry. It started cracking/popping every time I opened my mouth about 10 years ago and never stopped.

What has helped....Chiro care...they use sono and heat to loosen the muscles and it helps. Massage helps....Sleeping with the teeth thing helps temporarily.

I am Looking into acupunture for it, but I think that I waited too long and only surgery will help.

BE careful with waiting too long. My ears are damaged now ( I have continual ringing in the ears) from it.



ETA_ It wasnt tough to diagnose. I had X-rays and the x-rays clearly will show the joint out of place.

Message edited 9/15/2006 2:49:24 PM.

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

I have TMJ.

So severe in fact that my jaw locked SHUT for a whole week in high school.

I couldn't cough, yawn, laugh, eat or barely speak.

I still grind my teeth in my sleep and there is a constant cracking and popping sound.

My dentist is fitting me for a nightguard, but to be honest...I don't think I am going to get one. It will make me gag and I'll never wear it.

I am also looking for other treatment options.

Good luck to you! I hope you find a great treatment for yourself!

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

I have it. I have to wear a very sexy nightguard when I go to bed. I usually take motrin and that helps with the pain. Also, my dentist recommended using hot compresses when it acts up.

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

Wendy, Donna, Valerie ..thank you for the advice!

I am definitely going to look into this more soon.. I honestly dont want it getting any worse, its already getting to the very uncomfortable/annoying stage

oops Donna too - ty!

Message edited 9/15/2006 3:01:49 PM.

Re: Does anyone suffer from TMJ?

Another sufferer - thought it's been OK lately.

I've done the whole nightguard, muscle relaxer bit...the only thing that helped was physical therapy. There is absolutely nothing like a head & face massage.

I agree - make an appointment with your dentist - no need to suffer needlessly.