kittencat
07-03-2003, 01:07 PM
Hi all, I thought it might be nice to share some of the things that we have found aggravate and help us with our chronic TMJ problems.
T
his is what helps me:
1.)Being outside in the humidity (I live in steamy Tampa Florida). It really loosens up my joints and makes them feel good. Vaporizers do the same it seems.
2.) moist heat and ice in intervals
3.) YOGA, the biggest help of all.
4.) a soft diet
5.) Positive thinking
6.) Doing research on TMJ to better inform myself
7.) The vitamin Sam-E
What hurts my TMJ:
1.) Not stretching enough
2.) STRESS!!!! The worst!!
3) Negative thinking
4.) Eating anything hard or chewy of course.
5.) When I wake up in the morning and notice I was sleeping on my face (OUCH!!!)
6.) Talking to much.
7.) Sitting in my office chair. Sitting for long periods of time.
Take care, Kittencat
T
his is what helps me:
1.)Being outside in the humidity (I live in steamy Tampa Florida). It really loosens up my joints and makes them feel good. Vaporizers do the same it seems.
2.) moist heat and ice in intervals
3.) YOGA, the biggest help of all.
4.) a soft diet
5.) Positive thinking
6.) Doing research on TMJ to better inform myself
7.) The vitamin Sam-E
What hurts my TMJ:
1.) Not stretching enough
2.) STRESS!!!! The worst!!
3) Negative thinking
4.) Eating anything hard or chewy of course.
5.) When I wake up in the morning and notice I was sleeping on my face (OUCH!!!)
6.) Talking to much.
7.) Sitting in my office chair. Sitting for long periods of time.
Take care, Kittencat
Sponsor
sunshine123
07-03-2003, 01:52 PM
Hi: Thanks for posting these. Ice and heat help me too, as well as stretching. I was thinking about taking a Yoga class. Do you know which type is good for people with bad knees? Of course, I'd go to one for beginners, but I don't want to aggravate my knee problems any further. Thanks. Sue
navy2
07-03-2003, 03:44 PM
Hi Kitten,
You are so right. I just went outside and it's a beautiful day. I helped my friend set up her snowcone booth for the 4th Celebration. I am also going back on Zoloft. I've been off of it for at least 10 months and I'm definatley going back on it. The stress is awful. It's probably aggravating my tmj, which lately I'm very aware of. I don't eat much, because I'm afraid I'll pop. I'm terrified that because my disc is displaced, I'll need surgery later on, and I'm not even really having fun with my family this summer. Everything is about the tmj and the fear I have after reading and learning so much about it on the internet. I'm missing out on life worrying about something that may or may not ever happen. I could wind up making my self even more ill worrying. Going to a specialist and having all the tests done, only makes me more anxious and upset. I'm also spending a fortune going to all these specialists because of my fear and thinking I have to fix the displaced disc. I have PTSD from sexual trauma in the military and I've been trying to not take any medications that were unnecessary and just deal with life naturally. Well I have been through so many illnesses, depression (lately I've been so upset about the tmj displaced disc, and possible degeneration). I researched too much on the internet and now I'm almost over the edge with anxiety and worry. I found this great board, but, I'm almost to the point of being nuts thinking what's going to happen in the future with my tmj. I am currently going to a specialist and I think I would do everyone (including the dentist) all a favor if I got back on the meds and got my life back in order. I even worry that I could wind up making the disc worse or in real pain if I continue going for treatments on it. The splint could even make it worse, who knows? Right now I have a popping disc and some tight muscles (from stress and maybe the displaced disc/off bite). But, I usually can get through that pain ok. Some of you that are living with chromic migraines and really bad pain, might even be happy to have the symptoms I have. There was a time that I had the face pain, but, now that I have the disc problem, I'm obsessed with it. I know some of my friends, like Arleen, Cheryl, and TC even commented that I sound stressed out. I am! I've been spending way too much time worrying about the tmj. Also, when I go to a specialist and they start telling me all these things that are wrong with my joints and tmj, it makes me really upset. So many of my friends live with the clicking and popping and they take advil or something if they get a headache, but, I'm the one that wants to get it stabilized because I don't want to lock up and be in pain later on. Also, my bite is off and my muscles get tight, and I do have some tmj symptoms. but, I deal with them. There are so many tmj sufferers that have it worse than me. But, I still have the joint problem. My chiropractor and his wife both have tmj and they just get adjusted and as long as the tmj is straight and they have range of motion, they say that's fine. When I told my Chiro I went to a specialist, he asked me why I keep going to all these people. I have been through so many illnesses this year, and they all put me through a panic and made me depressed. I made it through all of them and after all the tests, everything came out negative and I no longer have those things. Now I've been focusing on the tmj and muscle pain that started after the dental work. The TMJ is real, but, the extent that I've made myself sick over it is not healthy. I will not have surgery. I think I need to get my stress under control and stop focusing on my tmj all the time. When I get out around people and try to think of something else I can't. All I seem to do is focus on the noise my jaw makes whether it hurts or not. Now they did a test on me and I might have some degeneration or problems with the right tmj too. I thought that was fine because it didn't pop, click, hurt or anything. The test was sonography and it may or may not mean anything. There was just a lot of noise in the joints. I have to wait until next week before I find out what that all means. My neck shows bad things on an MRI, but, I'm pain free, so, I don't concern myself, but, for some reason the displaced disc thing has me petrified. Now, I've been worried that I have arthritis in my face or something and I'll have more pain. I thought if I went to a specialist, went into a splint to try to stabilize or recapture the disc and then got the dental work done, I was doing the right thing for my health. Now I'm concerned about whether they can do that because maybe my joint is degenerating. I have to get myself together before I drive my husband nuts. I think I should go back to taking care of myself, my family and stop stressing myself out by staying on the computer and focusing on tmj all the time. I haven't been doing the things that I know make me feel better like drinking enough water, taking vitamins, my calm magnesium in my herbal tea, sleep, eating properly (soft foods), selium, and flax seed oil, calcium, glucosamine/chondoitin, vitamin E, etc. All I do is walk around thinking I'm defective and have a debilatating illness, because of the displaced disc, muscles spasms, and possible degeneration. I don't eay, sleep, i just go to treatments for my tmj. My PT said i was getting better. But, I wouldn't listen to anyone and was obsessed with the popping joint. I became obsessed with the tmj and learning as much as possible. I've been totally convinced that I will only get worse. I met some wonderful people on here, but, in order to get better, I need to stop focusing on what's wrong with my jaw. Diane, Chery, TiffanyAnne, TC, amateurdoc, Arleen and everyone else, you have been wonderful. When i get myself together, I'll come back and say hi to all. Today I almost felt like I was at the end of my rope. I can't keep on like this.
Navy
You are so right. I just went outside and it's a beautiful day. I helped my friend set up her snowcone booth for the 4th Celebration. I am also going back on Zoloft. I've been off of it for at least 10 months and I'm definatley going back on it. The stress is awful. It's probably aggravating my tmj, which lately I'm very aware of. I don't eat much, because I'm afraid I'll pop. I'm terrified that because my disc is displaced, I'll need surgery later on, and I'm not even really having fun with my family this summer. Everything is about the tmj and the fear I have after reading and learning so much about it on the internet. I'm missing out on life worrying about something that may or may not ever happen. I could wind up making my self even more ill worrying. Going to a specialist and having all the tests done, only makes me more anxious and upset. I'm also spending a fortune going to all these specialists because of my fear and thinking I have to fix the displaced disc. I have PTSD from sexual trauma in the military and I've been trying to not take any medications that were unnecessary and just deal with life naturally. Well I have been through so many illnesses, depression (lately I've been so upset about the tmj displaced disc, and possible degeneration). I researched too much on the internet and now I'm almost over the edge with anxiety and worry. I found this great board, but, I'm almost to the point of being nuts thinking what's going to happen in the future with my tmj. I am currently going to a specialist and I think I would do everyone (including the dentist) all a favor if I got back on the meds and got my life back in order. I even worry that I could wind up making the disc worse or in real pain if I continue going for treatments on it. The splint could even make it worse, who knows? Right now I have a popping disc and some tight muscles (from stress and maybe the displaced disc/off bite). But, I usually can get through that pain ok. Some of you that are living with chromic migraines and really bad pain, might even be happy to have the symptoms I have. There was a time that I had the face pain, but, now that I have the disc problem, I'm obsessed with it. I know some of my friends, like Arleen, Cheryl, and TC even commented that I sound stressed out. I am! I've been spending way too much time worrying about the tmj. Also, when I go to a specialist and they start telling me all these things that are wrong with my joints and tmj, it makes me really upset. So many of my friends live with the clicking and popping and they take advil or something if they get a headache, but, I'm the one that wants to get it stabilized because I don't want to lock up and be in pain later on. Also, my bite is off and my muscles get tight, and I do have some tmj symptoms. but, I deal with them. There are so many tmj sufferers that have it worse than me. But, I still have the joint problem. My chiropractor and his wife both have tmj and they just get adjusted and as long as the tmj is straight and they have range of motion, they say that's fine. When I told my Chiro I went to a specialist, he asked me why I keep going to all these people. I have been through so many illnesses this year, and they all put me through a panic and made me depressed. I made it through all of them and after all the tests, everything came out negative and I no longer have those things. Now I've been focusing on the tmj and muscle pain that started after the dental work. The TMJ is real, but, the extent that I've made myself sick over it is not healthy. I will not have surgery. I think I need to get my stress under control and stop focusing on my tmj all the time. When I get out around people and try to think of something else I can't. All I seem to do is focus on the noise my jaw makes whether it hurts or not. Now they did a test on me and I might have some degeneration or problems with the right tmj too. I thought that was fine because it didn't pop, click, hurt or anything. The test was sonography and it may or may not mean anything. There was just a lot of noise in the joints. I have to wait until next week before I find out what that all means. My neck shows bad things on an MRI, but, I'm pain free, so, I don't concern myself, but, for some reason the displaced disc thing has me petrified. Now, I've been worried that I have arthritis in my face or something and I'll have more pain. I thought if I went to a specialist, went into a splint to try to stabilize or recapture the disc and then got the dental work done, I was doing the right thing for my health. Now I'm concerned about whether they can do that because maybe my joint is degenerating. I have to get myself together before I drive my husband nuts. I think I should go back to taking care of myself, my family and stop stressing myself out by staying on the computer and focusing on tmj all the time. I haven't been doing the things that I know make me feel better like drinking enough water, taking vitamins, my calm magnesium in my herbal tea, sleep, eating properly (soft foods), selium, and flax seed oil, calcium, glucosamine/chondoitin, vitamin E, etc. All I do is walk around thinking I'm defective and have a debilatating illness, because of the displaced disc, muscles spasms, and possible degeneration. I don't eay, sleep, i just go to treatments for my tmj. My PT said i was getting better. But, I wouldn't listen to anyone and was obsessed with the popping joint. I became obsessed with the tmj and learning as much as possible. I've been totally convinced that I will only get worse. I met some wonderful people on here, but, in order to get better, I need to stop focusing on what's wrong with my jaw. Diane, Chery, TiffanyAnne, TC, amateurdoc, Arleen and everyone else, you have been wonderful. When i get myself together, I'll come back and say hi to all. Today I almost felt like I was at the end of my rope. I can't keep on like this.
Navy
PINKYPRISCILLA
07-03-2003, 04:28 PM
HANG IN THERE NAVY
don't get discouraged
don't get discouraged
Arleen
07-04-2003, 01:15 AM
Hi Navy:
Sorry you've got yourself so stressed today. But just think, you're on your way - 2 neuro appts this week!! It sounds like you have very talented joints. Just think of them as little public speakers, and every time you hear a pop or click, imagine that they are saying to you "Navy, we're going to get better." :) Or maybe they are musicians, singing you lovely operas, or musicals...or maybe they're even punk rockers (I hope they're not punk rockers, you'll never a moment's sleep).
You're getting help. Worry isn't going to do anything now except tie you up in knots (and unless you're taking yoga lessons, this could be an uncomfortable position). I think TMJD is a one-thing-at-a-time kind of problem, so you've already started the journey - you've the got the neuromuscular guy. He'll use his fancy machines. He'll make you a splint, which hopefully will help your situation. He'll un-tense those muscles. My prayers are that you'll be like Diane and see results quickly. I think if you do, you'll start feeling less stressed. And if you don't, it might just take you a bit longer. After all, TMJD didn't happen to you just last week, it will take a while to get it sorted out. Also, Navy, there are several people on the board (I don't know if you've met them) who have dealt with horrible, horrible TMJD symptoms and problems for many years - the good news is they did find relief, and you will too, and much quicker than they because you have this board for support and information.
Hugs,
Arleen
Sorry you've got yourself so stressed today. But just think, you're on your way - 2 neuro appts this week!! It sounds like you have very talented joints. Just think of them as little public speakers, and every time you hear a pop or click, imagine that they are saying to you "Navy, we're going to get better." :) Or maybe they are musicians, singing you lovely operas, or musicals...or maybe they're even punk rockers (I hope they're not punk rockers, you'll never a moment's sleep).
You're getting help. Worry isn't going to do anything now except tie you up in knots (and unless you're taking yoga lessons, this could be an uncomfortable position). I think TMJD is a one-thing-at-a-time kind of problem, so you've already started the journey - you've the got the neuromuscular guy. He'll use his fancy machines. He'll make you a splint, which hopefully will help your situation. He'll un-tense those muscles. My prayers are that you'll be like Diane and see results quickly. I think if you do, you'll start feeling less stressed. And if you don't, it might just take you a bit longer. After all, TMJD didn't happen to you just last week, it will take a while to get it sorted out. Also, Navy, there are several people on the board (I don't know if you've met them) who have dealt with horrible, horrible TMJD symptoms and problems for many years - the good news is they did find relief, and you will too, and much quicker than they because you have this board for support and information.
Hugs,
Arleen
Anastasia
07-04-2003, 02:55 AM
hi kittencat
i agree with Yoga! i do it about 4 times a week. and sunshine, yoga is designed to be low impact, it shoulden't hurt you at all. infact most Yoga workouts will show verious options for people with bad backs, knees, muscles, etc. you may want to give it a try.
as for the other stuff, i live in smoggy Hamilton and find that when our Humidex goes up, my headaches arn't as bad, but when the smog goes up too, i get very nauseated and my "drugged" sensation increases. yay.
another good thing to do is meditate with some incense before bed time. it takes some practice but you'll end up sleeping through the night with relaxed muscles. my eyeball headaches have decreased since i started about 3 weeks ago.
Hey Navy, sorry to hear about your anxiety. i have a buddist philosophy for you. in general terms it goes:
"if the problem can be solved, don't worry about it. If the problem can't be solved, worrying won't create a solution"
Trust me...it's easier said than done! i practice it every time i do Yoga or lay awake at night wondering why all this has happened. it takes alot of dedication but it HAS helped me in the long run. i no longer get depressed as much when i'm having a bad day...or week for that matter. it's sort of silly but saying words like that to yourself over and over again make the hard things in life easier to deal with. good luck and i hope things turn around for you :)
Anastasia
Why can't i spell today!
[This message has been edited by Anastasia (edited 07-04-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Anastasia (edited 07-04-2003).]
i agree with Yoga! i do it about 4 times a week. and sunshine, yoga is designed to be low impact, it shoulden't hurt you at all. infact most Yoga workouts will show verious options for people with bad backs, knees, muscles, etc. you may want to give it a try.
as for the other stuff, i live in smoggy Hamilton and find that when our Humidex goes up, my headaches arn't as bad, but when the smog goes up too, i get very nauseated and my "drugged" sensation increases. yay.
another good thing to do is meditate with some incense before bed time. it takes some practice but you'll end up sleeping through the night with relaxed muscles. my eyeball headaches have decreased since i started about 3 weeks ago.
Hey Navy, sorry to hear about your anxiety. i have a buddist philosophy for you. in general terms it goes:
"if the problem can be solved, don't worry about it. If the problem can't be solved, worrying won't create a solution"
Trust me...it's easier said than done! i practice it every time i do Yoga or lay awake at night wondering why all this has happened. it takes alot of dedication but it HAS helped me in the long run. i no longer get depressed as much when i'm having a bad day...or week for that matter. it's sort of silly but saying words like that to yourself over and over again make the hard things in life easier to deal with. good luck and i hope things turn around for you :)
Anastasia
Why can't i spell today!
[This message has been edited by Anastasia (edited 07-04-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Anastasia (edited 07-04-2003).]
CherylLynn24
07-04-2003, 03:39 AM
Hi Navy,
Try to relax and get your bearings. You are on the road to recovery...if you need to talk, we're here.
Take Care,
Cheryl
Try to relax and get your bearings. You are on the road to recovery...if you need to talk, we're here.
Take Care,
Cheryl
navy2
07-04-2003, 09:10 AM
Hi All!
Actually things don't look good at all. It appears that I may have arthritis in my tmj. There is an awful lot of crepitus when I open and close the right tmj. This might explain why I've been having problems with popping when I wake up on that side. I've also had a ton of crackling (crepitus) going on in my neck and up the back of my head for months. i have it in my knees too. The Chiro and PT gave me reasons for it, such as fluid, needing to strenghten the muscles, it will go away ,,,but, it hasn't. My neuro called me last night, but, I was out. i will try to call him today. I can't believe this is happening. My pano-s showed nothing. They say this happens to less than 5% of people with TMJ. I don't want to live my life like this, I am only 48 years old. I don't think i'll be able to get the treatment from the beuro. i'll probably be sent to an oral surgeon. Which I do not want to do.
Navy
Actually things don't look good at all. It appears that I may have arthritis in my tmj. There is an awful lot of crepitus when I open and close the right tmj. This might explain why I've been having problems with popping when I wake up on that side. I've also had a ton of crackling (crepitus) going on in my neck and up the back of my head for months. i have it in my knees too. The Chiro and PT gave me reasons for it, such as fluid, needing to strenghten the muscles, it will go away ,,,but, it hasn't. My neuro called me last night, but, I was out. i will try to call him today. I can't believe this is happening. My pano-s showed nothing. They say this happens to less than 5% of people with TMJ. I don't want to live my life like this, I am only 48 years old. I don't think i'll be able to get the treatment from the beuro. i'll probably be sent to an oral surgeon. Which I do not want to do.
Navy