Severe jaw osteoarthritis

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I finally got some answers as to why I feel like there is something wrong with my throat - TMJ! I’ve had both a head and neck CT and a MRI specifically to look for TMJ and I have it. I can see the radiologist report and it says I have severe osteoarthritis on both sides as well as tears in the discs, cysts and bone spurs.
Homestly, I’m so relieved that it isn’t something bad that I’m not even upset. Just wondering what this means in terms of treatment? Obviously I will be seeing whatever specialist I need to. I’m only 41 and I don’t want this to progress to the point where my jaw doesn’t work at all. Has anyone had this? What did they do for you?

 

[anniemae]

just curious, what were your symptoms? I have tmj

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

just curious, what were your symptoms? I have tmj

I’ve had jaw locking, popping out of socket, and clicking forever. But I have started feeling like I had a tonsil stone or something stuck in my throat for about 3 months. Almost like an irritated nerve.

 

[anniemae]

I’ve had jaw locking, popping out of socket, and clicking forever. But I have started feeling like I had a tonsil stone or something stuck in my throat for about 3 months. Almost like an irritated nerve.

Ah that is strange. Glad it turned out to be something relatively minor. I have soreness on one side of my jaw joint. I have wondered if it is OA. my dentist thinks tmj and that my jaw is out of alignment and to fix it would mean braces.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Ah that is strange. Glad it turned out to be something relatively minor. I have soreness on one side of my jaw joint. I have wondered if it is OA. my dentist thinks tmj and that my jaw is out of alignment and to fix it would mean braces.

My OA is from the TMJ. For me the TMJ is from being hypermobile, but that isn’t the case for everyone. I already had braces and my teeth close properly so braces wouldn’t help me. I would encourage you to get it taken care of before you end up like me and end up with severe damage.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

StichesGr8Fan and to all dealing with TMJ issues as well. I wish each of you for sure brighter and pain free days ahead, that is for sure! I developed TMJ more profoundly back in 2009 after a root canal and crown. I had no clue that I was always at risk for it becoming a huge issue nor that I always had it in some way in terms of speech, especially as a kid. By the Grace of God, I have come so far and am now daily pain free, so take heart and know it is possible!

What made truly made a life- saving and changing difference to me TMJ wise was God leading me years ago now to such a kind TMJ specialist. This doctor was the first TMJ specialist I saw, of many, who truly was not only very knowledgeable in TMJ but was such a compassionate and kind man as well. He cared and he listened. He also introduced me to a product by Gebeauer called Ethyl Chloride Medium Stream Spray. I shortly after came to use a similar product by the same company called Pain Ease when the canister of the Ethyl Chloride changed to make it's spraying harder to use.

Pain Ease, how I wish I had known this as a child, is mainly used as a topical anesthetic before routine bloodwork or shots. It's also used in PT and in terms of us folks with TMJ, to help relieve set in myofascial pain! Spray and Stretch is the name of the technique. I attest to you it really works. It is by prescription only but as I also later learned most dentists have some on hand for cold test use. So they could try it on you to see if it helps.

I know my triggers and take care as best I can. For me, what has also helped is going to the dentist for very quick cleanings every two months so they can be very quick and no surprises are found because I go so often. Lol, being a very limited and picky eater is handy as well. I'm not able to eat anything too chewy but that's okay. I am so thankful and blessed.

Peace to each of you, happy new year, and if I may provide any of you some extra compassion along with perhaps sharing of what worked for me please PM me.