TMJ Pain- Any advice appreciated!

[crazymomof4]

Hi!

I am having a flare up of my TMJ and am really feeling discouraged today.
For the past 7 months I have been keeping the symptoms at bay using the muscle relaxing effects of magnesium. I was so happy that a simple supplement would help me out so much. I enjoyed 7 months of no TMJ symptoms. Well, 4 days ago, for some unknown reason I began to once again have spasms around my TMJ area. I've increased my magnesium as far as it is safe to go and I still get spasms breaking through. I so afraid to join the ranks of the many TMJ sufferers who have had chronic pain for years! I hesitate to seek medical and dental treatment bc. I've read about so many cases where the expensive treatment either didnt' help or made it worse. So I'm still looking for things that I can do on my own to control the symptoms. I cannot live on OTC pain meds for the rest of my life!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
crazymom

 

[julia & nicks mom]

I had a major TMJ problem back when I was working and under a tremendous amount of stress - I went to a dentist and he told me I needed major surgery

when I talked to insurance they refused to cover it and told me I had to go see their specialist - I was reluctant but within 3 months I was better and only have minor flare ups!

He gave me a bite plate - which was awkward but even still when I have a problem one night of sleep in it and I feel better!

but the best thing he did was send me for physical therapy - they massaged my head neck and jaw and I did strenghtening exercises and an ultrasound treatment! I loved physical therapy - it was relaxing and really worked - they also taught me how to massage my cheek/jaw area (inside and out) to alleviate pain and it REALLY works!

I would try to find someone in your area who believes in physical therapy for TMJ first - surgery last!! As you know - the problem starts in your jaw but you can feel it everywhere and physical therapy - helps put everything back in order!

 

[piglet too]

One thing that I have found to work for the spasms is a hot washcloth on the jaw. I get the water as hot as I can stand and apply the washcloth to both sides of my face. I had a bad night last night, must have been clenching my jaw, and this worked wonders this morning. Hope this helps!

 

[4nana]

Ahhh...I feel your pain, as two of our daughters suffered with TMJ. We did the expensive dental/ortho/PT treatment plan, however, it really did help. When you're in such pain w/vomiting, ears ringing and jaw locks, it's worth every penny. If you do not want to go that route, I would suggest the simple mouth guard for $ at the sports store. Soften in hot water, bite, cut to fit. Use at night to keep the jaw in place takes stress off joint. Also, soft foods, warm compresses seem to help and as you aready know, an antinflammatory, like motrin, will help the pain. Best wishes to be pain free soon!

 

[Poohnatic]

I have TMJ as well, and haven't had a major flare in about a year and a half.

Same as Piglet, I get some heat on the joint. Also avoid cold...I love frozen drinks, but don't get them very often. That probably was a major reason for my flare ups.

No ice in any drinks...we put everything in the fridge here so that I don't use as much.

Fortunately, my awesome dentist on Long Island told me years ago all the reasons NOT to have surgery. He fitted me for a night guard, but told me to get one from the drug store first-never did order the 350 dollar one.

Another thing to try...the soft, fleshy area between your thumb and index finger is the pressure point for the jaw. I sometimes find that massaging that on my right hand helps when I get pain. I think the left works as well...give it a try. The amazing reflexology things I learned working at Bath and Body works, lol!

Suzanne

 

[MouseClubMom]

Go get a massage with a massage therapist that is trained in therapeutic massage on your jaw and neck. The girl I go to in NY is wonderful and I always leave feeling much better.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

I have TMJ and I have found what works for me is seeing a chiropractor. When I see a chiropractor my TMJ won't flare up for months to a year. If I just get a massage it only helps for a little while.

I have done everything to help my TMJ. I even had surgery which didn't help.

 

[Crankyshank]

I have TMJ and I find that massaging my jaw really helps. Also because my flare ups seem to be mainly when I'm stressed out, I meditate and that also helps.

 

[crazymomof4]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

Reading your replies helped get me through the day. I was encouraged by reading of others who have found relief through more conservative treatments.
I've cut and pasted all of your suggestions and will try them!

BTW- I'd like to add this tip for applying heat: Put about 1-2 cups of uncooked rice into a sock and tie it closed with string. Heat in microwave for about 50 secs. to 1 min. and it makes a great heat pack. Conforms nicely to the contours of your jawline and stays warm for a long time. Keep it dry and you can re-use it over and over.

 

[4nana]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
BTW- I'd like to add this tip for applying heat: Put about 1-2 cups of uncooked rice into a sock and tie it closed with string. Heat in microwave for about 50 secs. to 1 min. and it makes a great heat pack. Conforms nicely to the contours of your jawline and stays warm for a long time. Keep it dry and you can re-use it over and over.

I have to chuckle as 'rice packs' are what my dear beloved aunt loved to make as gifts for all her family and friends. I have several, they do wonders and I indeed love them.

 

[disneyfor3]

I had a TMJ problem develop 10 years ago after an unsuccessful root canal (my first!) that caused my tooth to erupt afterwards and push my bite open. It caused by bite to open worse and worse and the TMJ to get worse and worse. It was a real nightmare. They couldn't get my bite back into its old position. They custom made a bite guard for me which helped a little but my bite was unstable. Ended up with 1 and 1/2 years of braces to reshape my teeth (my teeth were perfectly straight before braces) and then had upper and lower jaw surgery to reshape a new bite. Am happy to report I am now pain free almost all the time - only have a small flareup every now and then. I second the recommendation of a bite guard for nighttime - you might want to see your dentist to get one made for you that fits your teeth. It may take a little getting used too especially if you have an easy gag reflex, but after a little bit it works great.

 

[eeyore0062]

I had TMJ problems too. I went to the dentist, and they wanted to do mouth guards, etc. Since my insurance didn't want to pay, I instead went to a massage therapist who specialized in TMJ. This was 3 years ago, and I haven't had another flare up!

Good luck to you... TMJ can be SO painful!

 

[rascalmom]

My dentist dh does a lot of TMJ treatment - you've been given some good suggestions here. Do you know the underlying cause of your TMJ problem - the pain can be from poor occlusion, a malformed TMJ joint, arthritis in the joint & muscle inflammation from stress (or a combination of any/all of the above). If you decide to seek out dental care for this - start with some x-rays to determine the cause of the problem - try going with a dentist who has been certified by the AACFP (American Academy of Craniofacial Pain). They offer extensive training, CE and certification programs to dentists who treat TMJ.

That said, dh has pretty severe TMJ himself. In addition to the splints (DON"T let just anyone make this), he is now in ortho. His teeth were straight, in fact he had ortho as a kid, but his bite was too closed. He also regularly sees a chiropractor. Anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, etc.) & alternating heat & ice packs can help. Watch what you eat during a flare-up, hard or very crunchy or tough food can aggravate the situation.

 

[HayGan]

I had TMJ surgery 11 years ago and I don't have nearly the problems that I used to! The surgery was simple (laser used to remove the scaring) and the recovery went very well. I rarely get headaches and when I do they are often caused by my DS hitting me on the head with something

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Ice packs always help me. If you have the time, try alternating hot and cold. Of course, I always down a few Ibuprofens to go with it.

 

[Aimee K]

As a massage therapist, I'd have to agree with the folks suggesting massage or physical therapy, IF the issue is of a muscular nature. It's important to see a Dr to diagnose the root of the problem. If it is indeed muscular in origin, find a therapist who is trained in intraoral TMJ treatment. Someone who advertises as a Neuromuscular Therapist would be a good place to start.

Health and Healing to you!