uscoastiewife
04-22-2003, 08:06 PM
Hi there.Anyone know any good Docs that are expierenced in TMJ in the Southern California area?Preferably one that will try everything else before they shove meds or surgery on me.I saw 6 or 7 before I was even diagnosed.I just kept getting referred.I am getting an appliance made now,but I would love to know if there is a specialist around here to maybe put me on a schedule.(like certain foods,exercise,......)I have constant muscle pain in neck,shoulders,face,and head.It's been constant for at least 9 months.The longer I wait the longer it will take to heal,if at all.It has been constant so long,I have a degree of numbness in my head,neck,face,and shoulders.Physical therapy?Acupuncture works some.Any suggestions?
Sponsor
HRevero
04-22-2003, 09:02 PM
Hello USCoast,
I to live in CA. I am over in Long Beach. I have been trying to get a good specialist myself. The one that I was refered to by my dentist, does not want to see me anymore because my dentist made my splint. I have a few names but I do not know if they are good. Dr. Fort is in Culver City, and Dr. Blair Ota is in Gardena. Have you heard of these specialist?
Heather
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I to live in CA. I am over in Long Beach. I have been trying to get a good specialist myself. The one that I was refered to by my dentist, does not want to see me anymore because my dentist made my splint. I have a few names but I do not know if they are good. Dr. Fort is in Culver City, and Dr. Blair Ota is in Gardena. Have you heard of these specialist?
Heather
------------------
uscoastiewife
04-22-2003, 09:46 PM
Hi there!I haven't heard of either.Did they help you any?Can I find them by looking them up?Thanks a lot for your reply.If you have muscle pain in face,neck,shoulders,or head(muscles),please let me know what you usually do.Most people with TMJ get neck and related problems.Thanks again!
HRevero
04-23-2003, 07:26 PM
USCoast,
I actaully have not seen those two doctors either, but my pt referred be to Dr. Fort, I think I am going to give him a call after my x-rays on Monday. What I have done for treatment is gone to a dentist, a specialist, physical therapy, and also accupressure. I get very BAD headaches. Everyewhere from my middle back and up kills 24/7. My mouth does not open wide at all (it locks). I also have very little mobility on the upper half of me. My pt says that I have no strength what so ever. I have always tried to work out but I always seem to cause me more pain when I do. I use my neck for EVERYTHING, even when I am not realizing it. My pt also says that from my accident at Magic Mountain I might have even got whipblash. I don't know about that since it was over 6 years ago. What have you done for treatment?
Heather
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I actaully have not seen those two doctors either, but my pt referred be to Dr. Fort, I think I am going to give him a call after my x-rays on Monday. What I have done for treatment is gone to a dentist, a specialist, physical therapy, and also accupressure. I get very BAD headaches. Everyewhere from my middle back and up kills 24/7. My mouth does not open wide at all (it locks). I also have very little mobility on the upper half of me. My pt says that I have no strength what so ever. I have always tried to work out but I always seem to cause me more pain when I do. I use my neck for EVERYTHING, even when I am not realizing it. My pt also says that from my accident at Magic Mountain I might have even got whipblash. I don't know about that since it was over 6 years ago. What have you done for treatment?
Heather
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sunshine123
04-23-2003, 07:46 PM
Hi Ladies: My TMJ guy is in San Diego, if it doesn't bother either of you to travel that far. Also, I've gotten great relief from neck pain by weekly massages from an RN. I was going to Acup. for several months and it helped, but I prefer the massage. My neck is much more flexible now. I'll be happy to give you both the contact info for my TMJ guy if you're interested. Or, maybe he could refer you both to someone in your areas. Sue
thisstarr
04-24-2003, 01:03 AM
Hi,
I live in upland ca, and have been suffering from TMJ for over 6 years and gone from doctors to doctor/dentist around here and havent found anyone to help me and believe I have gone to so many I lost count :(
I have an appointmant on the 28th with a new guy so I will let you know how it go's..
take Care,
Starr
[This message has been edited by thisstarr (edited 04-24-2003).]
I live in upland ca, and have been suffering from TMJ for over 6 years and gone from doctors to doctor/dentist around here and havent found anyone to help me and believe I have gone to so many I lost count :(
I have an appointmant on the 28th with a new guy so I will let you know how it go's..
take Care,
Starr
[This message has been edited by thisstarr (edited 04-24-2003).]
sunshine123
04-24-2003, 01:24 AM
Hi Starr: Good luck with your new Dr!!!! Sue
uscoastiewife
04-24-2003, 01:34 AM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by thisstarr:
Hi,
I live in upland ca, and have been suffering from TMJ for over 6 years and gone from doctors to doctor/dentist around here and havent found anyone to help me and believe I have gone to so many I lost count :(
I have an appointmant on the 28th with a new guy so I will let you know how it go's..
take Care,
Starr
[This message has been edited by thisstarr (edited 04-24-2003).][/QUO
Hi there Starr!Sounds just like me!Let me know if this Doctor works!
Hi,
I live in upland ca, and have been suffering from TMJ for over 6 years and gone from doctors to doctor/dentist around here and havent found anyone to help me and believe I have gone to so many I lost count :(
I have an appointmant on the 28th with a new guy so I will let you know how it go's..
take Care,
Starr
[This message has been edited by thisstarr (edited 04-24-2003).][/QUO
Hi there Starr!Sounds just like me!Let me know if this Doctor works!
uscoastiewife
04-24-2003, 01:40 AM
Hi Heather!You have a lot of the symptoms I have.I have no range in my neck anymore.My neck and back throb with pain,constantly.I had headaches 5-7 times a week.Acupuncture really helped the headaches.I went for a period of 15 days with only 1 headache.I'm trying B vitamins for headaches.I sleep with a memory foam neck pillow because before I recently got that,I couldn't use a pillow.I'm a side sleeper and I would wake up with double the pain in my neck and shoulders from a regular pillow.I'm still working on how to get rid of my constant muscle pain.Talk to you soon!
uscoastiewife
04-24-2003, 01:45 AM
Originally posted by sunshine123:
Hi Ladies: My TMJ guy is in San Diego, if it doesn't bother either of you to travel that far. Also, I've gotten great relief from neck pain by weekly massages from an RN. I was going to Acup. for several months and it helped, but I prefer the massage. My neck is much more flexible now. I'll be happy to give you both the contact info for my TMJ guy if you're interested. Or, maybe he could refer you both to someone in your areas. Sue
Hi there Sunshine.I would be interested to know how your TMJ doc helped you.I would drive 1 1/2 hours to find somebody that woul finally work.I have a friend in San Diego.Let me know if he relieved your symptoms.
Hi Ladies: My TMJ guy is in San Diego, if it doesn't bother either of you to travel that far. Also, I've gotten great relief from neck pain by weekly massages from an RN. I was going to Acup. for several months and it helped, but I prefer the massage. My neck is much more flexible now. I'll be happy to give you both the contact info for my TMJ guy if you're interested. Or, maybe he could refer you both to someone in your areas. Sue
Hi there Sunshine.I would be interested to know how your TMJ doc helped you.I would drive 1 1/2 hours to find somebody that woul finally work.I have a friend in San Diego.Let me know if he relieved your symptoms.
sunshine123
04-24-2003, 02:51 AM
Hi uscoastiewife: I've been wearing a hard splint that covers all my lower teeth. It's eliminated my daily headaches, facial pain and dizziness. The only thing I'm working on now is sore gums which may or may not be related to TMJ. That started over a year ago. I'm menopausal and it could be from that. I sure hope it's NOT TMJ related though. The DDS name is Gerald McCracken in San Diego, 92103. We're not allowed to post phone numbers on this site. Let me know if you see him and good luck. Sue
uscoastiewife
04-24-2003, 03:05 AM
Originally posted by sunshine123:
Hi uscoastiewife: I've been wearing a hard splint that covers all my lower teeth. It's eliminated my daily headaches, facial pain and dizziness. The only thing I'm working on now is sore gums which may or may not be related to TMJ. That started over a year ago. I'm menopausal and it could be from that. I sure hope it's NOT TMJ related though. The DDS name is Gerald McCracken in San Diego, 92103. We're not allowed to post phone numbers on this site. Let me know if you see him and good luck. Sue
Wow!Thank you!I'm getting my appliance(splint?)tomorrow.I'm not sure if it is a night guard for clenching or the thing that I am suppose to wear all the time.Can you tell me a little about splints?What types,and can you take them in and out?Are the bottom and tops attached,or do you wear one on the top and one on the bottom?Or only one?I would love to learn.It is kind orf scary,but I'm glad they are not telling me to have surgery anymore!
Hi uscoastiewife: I've been wearing a hard splint that covers all my lower teeth. It's eliminated my daily headaches, facial pain and dizziness. The only thing I'm working on now is sore gums which may or may not be related to TMJ. That started over a year ago. I'm menopausal and it could be from that. I sure hope it's NOT TMJ related though. The DDS name is Gerald McCracken in San Diego, 92103. We're not allowed to post phone numbers on this site. Let me know if you see him and good luck. Sue
Wow!Thank you!I'm getting my appliance(splint?)tomorrow.I'm not sure if it is a night guard for clenching or the thing that I am suppose to wear all the time.Can you tell me a little about splints?What types,and can you take them in and out?Are the bottom and tops attached,or do you wear one on the top and one on the bottom?Or only one?I would love to learn.It is kind orf scary,but I'm glad they are not telling me to have surgery anymore!
HRevero
04-24-2003, 01:16 PM
Sunshine thanks for the doctor info!!! What does he actually do for you? Is he pretty good?
USCOAST - It does sound like we have a lot of the same problems. I also have a splint that I think it is time for me to go get looked at again. There are many types of splints out there. I keep getting one that goes on my upper teeth. I am able to take it in and out of my mouth. I can't really talk with it. It kind of reminds me of a football player's mouth guard. I know there are ones that go on your bottom teeth but I am not that familiar with them.
My accupressure lady is wonderful, have you ever done this? I am trying to see the difference between accupuncture and accupressure. My pt alos told me to get a down pillow that is semi firm. This seems to give me neck more support. I too am a side sleeper. I am trying to get out of this postion, my jaw does not seem to be able to take it anymore. But that is pretty much every position I try. My jaw is very moody.
Heather
------------------
USCOAST - It does sound like we have a lot of the same problems. I also have a splint that I think it is time for me to go get looked at again. There are many types of splints out there. I keep getting one that goes on my upper teeth. I am able to take it in and out of my mouth. I can't really talk with it. It kind of reminds me of a football player's mouth guard. I know there are ones that go on your bottom teeth but I am not that familiar with them.
My accupressure lady is wonderful, have you ever done this? I am trying to see the difference between accupuncture and accupressure. My pt alos told me to get a down pillow that is semi firm. This seems to give me neck more support. I too am a side sleeper. I am trying to get out of this postion, my jaw does not seem to be able to take it anymore. But that is pretty much every position I try. My jaw is very moody.
Heather
------------------
sunshine123
04-24-2003, 09:51 PM
Hi uscoastiewife: I'm glad you don't need surgery too!!! You're welcome. I was wearing a splint during the day and a different one at night, but now I'm wearing one 24/7 except when eating. It's a repositioning splint and brings my lower jaw down and forward. I had it adjusted every week for a month or so and now I can go 2 weeks. My daily headaches and facial pain are a thing of the past. YEAH!!! Yes, the splints are removable and separate if you have to wear 2. Good luck with your new splint!!!!! Sue
sunshine123
04-24-2003, 09:52 PM
I'm sorry that I repeated myself about the lack of headaches anymore. My mind is gone as well. lol. Sue
sunshine123
04-24-2003, 09:56 PM
Hi Heather: You're welcome. The DDS has helped me a lot with this splint and he stretches my jaw muscles that are in spasm. At home, I do a different stretching exercise and I get a lot of benefit from a weekly massage. I was going for Acup. for several months and that helped too, but I can't afford that and massage, so I just go for massages now. I've never tried Accupressure, but I'm sure I'd like that too. I was thinking of getting a new pillow too. I try to sleep on my back, but I prefer sleeping on my side. Good luck to all. Sue
uscoastiewife
04-25-2003, 12:06 AM
Originally posted by sunshine123:
Hi uscoastiewife: I'm glad you don't need surgery too!!! You're welcome. I was wearing a splint during the day and a different one at night, but now I'm wearing one 24/7 except when eating. It's a repositioning splint and brings my lower jaw down and forward. I had it adjusted every week for a month or so and now I can go 2 weeks. My daily headaches and facial pain are a thing of the past. YEAH!!! Yes, the splints are removable and separate if you have to wear 2. Good luck with your new splint!!!!! Sue
I got my splint today.It's a clear thing that fits over my top teeth.Did you have trouble talking?What kind of different one do you wear at night?I need something for grinding.The doc said I can wear this at night too.I talk funny with it in.I work with special ed students.Teaching them new things,they might not understand me!I need my lower jaw down and foward also.How long did it take to notice results?Hope to hear from you!Thanks!
USCGwife
Hi uscoastiewife: I'm glad you don't need surgery too!!! You're welcome. I was wearing a splint during the day and a different one at night, but now I'm wearing one 24/7 except when eating. It's a repositioning splint and brings my lower jaw down and forward. I had it adjusted every week for a month or so and now I can go 2 weeks. My daily headaches and facial pain are a thing of the past. YEAH!!! Yes, the splints are removable and separate if you have to wear 2. Good luck with your new splint!!!!! Sue
I got my splint today.It's a clear thing that fits over my top teeth.Did you have trouble talking?What kind of different one do you wear at night?I need something for grinding.The doc said I can wear this at night too.I talk funny with it in.I work with special ed students.Teaching them new things,they might not understand me!I need my lower jaw down and foward also.How long did it take to notice results?Hope to hear from you!Thanks!
USCGwife
uscoastiewife
04-25-2003, 12:10 AM
Originally posted by HRevero:
Sunshine thanks for the doctor info!!! What does he actually do for you? Is he pretty good?
USCOAST - It does sound like we have a lot of the same problems. I also have a splint that I think it is time for me to go get looked at again. There are many types of splints out there. I keep getting one that goes on my upper teeth. I am able to take it in and out of my mouth. I can't really talk with it. It kind of reminds me of a football player's mouth guard. I know there are ones that go on your bottom teeth but I am not that familiar with them.
My accupressure lady is wonderful, have you ever done this? I am trying to see the difference between accupuncture and accupressure. My pt alos told me to get a down pillow that is semi firm. This seems to give me neck more support. I too am a side sleeper. I am trying to get out of this postion, my jaw does not seem to be able to take it anymore. But that is pretty much every position I try. My jaw is very moody.
Heather
Hi there!That sounds like a good idea.Maybe I should try accupressure.Thanks!
Sunshine thanks for the doctor info!!! What does he actually do for you? Is he pretty good?
USCOAST - It does sound like we have a lot of the same problems. I also have a splint that I think it is time for me to go get looked at again. There are many types of splints out there. I keep getting one that goes on my upper teeth. I am able to take it in and out of my mouth. I can't really talk with it. It kind of reminds me of a football player's mouth guard. I know there are ones that go on your bottom teeth but I am not that familiar with them.
My accupressure lady is wonderful, have you ever done this? I am trying to see the difference between accupuncture and accupressure. My pt alos told me to get a down pillow that is semi firm. This seems to give me neck more support. I too am a side sleeper. I am trying to get out of this postion, my jaw does not seem to be able to take it anymore. But that is pretty much every position I try. My jaw is very moody.
Heather
Hi there!That sounds like a good idea.Maybe I should try accupressure.Thanks!
thisstarr
04-26-2003, 05:24 AM
Hello,
I go see see my 101 tmj doctor on monday so I will let you all know how it go's, hopefully he will be helpful and not just wantmymoney like the other million I saw!
take care,
heres to pain free days.... :D I wish!
Starr
I go see see my 101 tmj doctor on monday so I will let you all know how it go's, hopefully he will be helpful and not just wantmymoney like the other million I saw!
take care,
heres to pain free days.... :D I wish!
Starr
HRevero
04-26-2003, 12:27 PM
USCG,
Your splint sounds exactly like mine!!!
My DDS wants me to wear in as much as I can. He tole me that I could go to work and not wear it, but as soon as I get home I need to put it in. Bascially he wanted me to wear it more then just at night. Within a couple of days I felt a little better. I still get my headaches, and feel overall icky. But I can say that I felt worse without one.
What grade are your students? I just quit my t.a. job at an elementary school, mostly because my jaw kept locking. I kept taking a leave of absence, but I did not feel like that was fair to anyone invlved, most of all the students. My work was very understanding about everything. I guess yesterday they had a t.a. meeting, and I was the main topic. It feels nice to know that I have been really missed over there.
Heather
------------------
Your splint sounds exactly like mine!!!
My DDS wants me to wear in as much as I can. He tole me that I could go to work and not wear it, but as soon as I get home I need to put it in. Bascially he wanted me to wear it more then just at night. Within a couple of days I felt a little better. I still get my headaches, and feel overall icky. But I can say that I felt worse without one.
What grade are your students? I just quit my t.a. job at an elementary school, mostly because my jaw kept locking. I kept taking a leave of absence, but I did not feel like that was fair to anyone invlved, most of all the students. My work was very understanding about everything. I guess yesterday they had a t.a. meeting, and I was the main topic. It feels nice to know that I have been really missed over there.
Heather
------------------
HRevero
04-26-2003, 12:31 PM
Starr,
I really hope this guy treats you good. You deserve proper treatment that will actually help you. I will be praying for yo on Monday. I actually go get my x-rays done on Monday. I will definetly be thinking of you!
Heather
P.S. :D right back at ya!
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I really hope this guy treats you good. You deserve proper treatment that will actually help you. I will be praying for yo on Monday. I actually go get my x-rays done on Monday. I will definetly be thinking of you!
Heather
P.S. :D right back at ya!
------------------
uscoastiewife
04-26-2003, 01:43 PM
Originally posted by HRevero:
USCG,
Your splint sounds exactly like mine!!!
My DDS wants me to wear in as much as I can. He tole me that I could go to work and not wear it, but as soon as I get home I need to put it in. Bascially he wanted me to wear it more then just at night. Within a couple of days I felt a little better. I still get my headaches, and feel overall icky. But I can say that I felt worse without one.
What grade are your students? I just quit my t.a. job at an elementary school, mostly because my jaw kept locking. I kept taking a leave of absence, but I did not feel like that was fair to anyone invlved, most of all the students. My work was very understanding about everything. I guess yesterday they had a t.a. meeting, and I was the main topic. It feels nice to know that I have been really missed over there.
Heather
Hi there!I work with elementary students,but they are ages 3-14 years old.They start them young for special ed,and leave at an older age.Hopefully you can go back to work at the school.Working with kids is a great job.When I am peeling kids with tantrums off the floor,is when my cheeks start tensing up,my jaw is affected,and I sometimes leave with a headache.I wish I didn't have this problem because this is the job I always wanted.I love the special ed students.I want to go back to school,so I can teach them.That is out of the question until my TMJ is taken care of!It kind of makes me angry!I can't even read to my 22 month old without being uncomfortable.When this is taken care of,I almost want to have another baby,just so I can do all the things I love doing with kids,that I can't do now without discomfort.LOL!Tlk to you soon.
USCGwife
USCG,
Your splint sounds exactly like mine!!!
My DDS wants me to wear in as much as I can. He tole me that I could go to work and not wear it, but as soon as I get home I need to put it in. Bascially he wanted me to wear it more then just at night. Within a couple of days I felt a little better. I still get my headaches, and feel overall icky. But I can say that I felt worse without one.
What grade are your students? I just quit my t.a. job at an elementary school, mostly because my jaw kept locking. I kept taking a leave of absence, but I did not feel like that was fair to anyone invlved, most of all the students. My work was very understanding about everything. I guess yesterday they had a t.a. meeting, and I was the main topic. It feels nice to know that I have been really missed over there.
Heather
Hi there!I work with elementary students,but they are ages 3-14 years old.They start them young for special ed,and leave at an older age.Hopefully you can go back to work at the school.Working with kids is a great job.When I am peeling kids with tantrums off the floor,is when my cheeks start tensing up,my jaw is affected,and I sometimes leave with a headache.I wish I didn't have this problem because this is the job I always wanted.I love the special ed students.I want to go back to school,so I can teach them.That is out of the question until my TMJ is taken care of!It kind of makes me angry!I can't even read to my 22 month old without being uncomfortable.When this is taken care of,I almost want to have another baby,just so I can do all the things I love doing with kids,that I can't do now without discomfort.LOL!Tlk to you soon.
USCGwife
HRevero
04-26-2003, 02:20 PM
USCG,
I know what you mean. I have been going to school to become a teacher. Recently my jaw has gotton so bad that I can't really do anything because it will lock up. I actually wanted to be in any class that is K- 2 grade. I finally found a job that I love, and now I can't do it. I have a lot of faith that I will get better, somedays are better then others though. Next week all of my kids are graduating or ending their school year, I will not miss that for the world.
Heather
------------------
I know what you mean. I have been going to school to become a teacher. Recently my jaw has gotton so bad that I can't really do anything because it will lock up. I actually wanted to be in any class that is K- 2 grade. I finally found a job that I love, and now I can't do it. I have a lot of faith that I will get better, somedays are better then others though. Next week all of my kids are graduating or ending their school year, I will not miss that for the world.
Heather
------------------
thisstarr
04-27-2003, 02:46 AM
Hi Heather, :wave:
You are such a sweetie thanks for keeping me in your prays,I appreciaate it so much, I will have to do the same for you now! :D
I will let you know what happens, I hope good news!
Take care,
Starr
You are such a sweetie thanks for keeping me in your prays,I appreciaate it so much, I will have to do the same for you now! :D
I will let you know what happens, I hope good news!
Take care,
Starr