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Thread: Help - I think I have TMJ?

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    Veteran Member golden41's Avatar
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    Default Help - I think I have TMJ?

    My mom used to go through phazes of sleeping with a mouthgaurd and Im assuming she had TMJ.

    My jaws have always been tight. From my temple down to the bottom. And for the past week Ive had so much pain when I try to open my mouth especially when I wake up. I usually just put some biofreeze on it and try to do some stretches but sometimes it hurts and is popping so hard I cant even chew cuz Im scared Ill really screw it up.

    Im just looking for some advice for treatment if anyone else has dealt with this. Ive only gone into work one day this week because my jaw is just so tired and is giving me a bad headache.

    When Ive looked up info on sites its mentioned surgery etc. So I just want to know if there is anything I can do to avoid the surgery and still heal it even if it takes longer.

    And I TRIED TO SEARCH!!! Nothing came up though.

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    Featured Member CuriousSeeker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help - I think I have TMJ?

    I had a series of injections over 2 months, one visit each week, usually 8 needles on average a sitting. Best thing ever.

    I kept hearing I would need surgery, but nope, the injections got it under control so I could finally think straight, and then I wore a bite plate religiously that was tailored to my jaw and grinding issues, which was critical.

    When I'm going through a rough time, I grind more, bearing down on the bite plate, which can aggravate the joint and tendons, so I take anti-inflammatants and get an injection if needed. My oral surgeon is responsive to getting me in quickly to nip it in the bud.
    "Don't piss off a motivated stripper."


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    Veteran Member golden41's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help - I think I have TMJ?

    Im interested in an injection. What is it called?

    I tried a chiropractor a year ago but he really freaked me out lol but Im in so much pain I want something that can just make it go away.

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    Featured Member CuriousSeeker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help - I think I have TMJ?

    ^My jaw always locked shut, so yes, different treatments for different issues. In fact, when making treatment plans, docs asked whether I tended to lock shut or open. I was also developing bone spurs in the joint, so that might make a difference in what's ideal for a patient.

    When I presented to the doc who treated me, I first wanted my jaw opened, and then I wanted pain relief. The injections gave me both fairly quickly. It was cortisone or some other corticosteroid that was thick (I could smush it around in my face).

    As for the injection: 4 needles (left and right on top, left and right on bottom) to dull the pain of the next set of injections; then 4 needles with the thick stuff. If the numbing didn't work quite right, the numbing injections were repeated. Side note: injections made the situation worse for some folks because of having their mouths open that long.

    Different opinions are critical: I was told by one to get different kinds of braces for a while; others spoke of breaking and realigning my jaw. Thank goodness for investigation and going slowly with considering the drastic stuff.

    People are also now trying Botox injections to relax specific areas around the jaw. The effect is less pain and more movement. Angie Everhart got it on TV for her TMJ. Same idea with people using Botox in the scalp to manage migraines.
    Last edited by CuriousSeeker; 08-10-2008 at 02:35 AM.
    "Don't piss off a motivated stripper."


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    Member missmonroe's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help - I think I have TMJ?

    I also have TMJ. I just started using a product for jaw pain by a company called DenTek. They sell it at CVS. It is on sale this month for around $13. It smells like Ben Gay. It really seems to help and you can use it up to 3 times a day.

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