aja
07-08-2003, 07:32 AM
Hi folks,
I wonder if you can help me. Is it possible to have TMJ without knowing it? I've had ear problems for many years (namely, Patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction - which probably won't mean anything to anyone on this particular board) but I read somewhere that it can be caused by TMJ and I would like to know if my ear problems are due to perhaps my jaw being out of alignment without my knowing it. Can you have TMJ without knowing it? Can it develop over time without you being aware?
Thanks so much for the help guys.
I wonder if you can help me. Is it possible to have TMJ without knowing it? I've had ear problems for many years (namely, Patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction - which probably won't mean anything to anyone on this particular board) but I read somewhere that it can be caused by TMJ and I would like to know if my ear problems are due to perhaps my jaw being out of alignment without my knowing it. Can you have TMJ without knowing it? Can it develop over time without you being aware?
Thanks so much for the help guys.
Sponsor
crystalll
07-08-2003, 11:38 AM
Hi,
Ear problems can definitely be caused by TMJD. My very first symptom years ago was a chronic earache. I was surprised to learn that it was caused by TMJD. My symptoms have gotten progressively worse since then. I would suggest that you get your jaw checked out now, before it does get any worse.
Take care.
Crystal
Ear problems can definitely be caused by TMJD. My very first symptom years ago was a chronic earache. I was surprised to learn that it was caused by TMJD. My symptoms have gotten progressively worse since then. I would suggest that you get your jaw checked out now, before it does get any worse.
Take care.
Crystal
PINKYPRISCILLA
07-08-2003, 11:44 AM
I agree with Crystal,
You should probably go to a tmj specialist for a complete exam and consultation they may take xrays and mri if they think it is tmj.
You should probably go to a tmj specialist for a complete exam and consultation they may take xrays and mri if they think it is tmj.
HRevero
07-08-2003, 12:42 PM
test
HRevero
07-08-2003, 12:45 PM
I have been told that tmj can develop over time. Have you had any work done on your teeth? I did not not that I had tmj for years up until recently. I did however have a lot of symptoms that I thought did not make any sense.
aja
07-11-2003, 09:16 AM
thanks guys, you're amazing.
I had a brace on my top set of teeth 10 years ago, but no major work since then.
I've never heard of a TMJ specialist, can I get referred to one of those for free by my doctor do you know? (we have a national health service in the UK, but somethings you can't get on the NHS)? I can't afford to pay for any private treatment (this ear problem has cleaned me out). I've seen lots of ear specialists but none of them have ever looked at my jaw (only in my ear and up my nose!). I've had an MRI scan already because they wanted to look at my ears, would they have noticed TMJ then do you think? Is it pointless me venturing this further if any problems with my jaw would have stood out a mile when they did the MRI?
Something I've noticed is that just next to my ear, (just in front of it, where the jaw meets the ear) there is a little lump which I don't have on the other side about the size of a grain of rice, does that mean anything to anyone?
aja
I had a brace on my top set of teeth 10 years ago, but no major work since then.
I've never heard of a TMJ specialist, can I get referred to one of those for free by my doctor do you know? (we have a national health service in the UK, but somethings you can't get on the NHS)? I can't afford to pay for any private treatment (this ear problem has cleaned me out). I've seen lots of ear specialists but none of them have ever looked at my jaw (only in my ear and up my nose!). I've had an MRI scan already because they wanted to look at my ears, would they have noticed TMJ then do you think? Is it pointless me venturing this further if any problems with my jaw would have stood out a mile when they did the MRI?
Something I've noticed is that just next to my ear, (just in front of it, where the jaw meets the ear) there is a little lump which I don't have on the other side about the size of a grain of rice, does that mean anything to anyone?
aja
Anastasia
07-12-2003, 09:57 PM
hi aja
you don't need your doctor to go to a TMJ specialist. just phone up your dentist and ask if he/she can diognose TMJd and go from there. a good dentist will refer you easily.
For some reason ENT's never mention TMJd. they see no connection between TMJd and ear disorders even though the ears are so anatomically close to the joint....? As for the MRI thing, unless they were looking for TMJd nothing would have showed up. you'll probably have to have another one done to determine if you have disk damage. and the lump thing is new to me. but keep in mind TMJd is only part of my problem, i'm still new to this board. for the longest time it was thought that i had an inner ear thing too, but like you it's TMJd...and some spinal stuff. i imagine some one else can answer your lumpy question.. good luck.
Anastasia
you don't need your doctor to go to a TMJ specialist. just phone up your dentist and ask if he/she can diognose TMJd and go from there. a good dentist will refer you easily.
For some reason ENT's never mention TMJd. they see no connection between TMJd and ear disorders even though the ears are so anatomically close to the joint....? As for the MRI thing, unless they were looking for TMJd nothing would have showed up. you'll probably have to have another one done to determine if you have disk damage. and the lump thing is new to me. but keep in mind TMJd is only part of my problem, i'm still new to this board. for the longest time it was thought that i had an inner ear thing too, but like you it's TMJd...and some spinal stuff. i imagine some one else can answer your lumpy question.. good luck.
Anastasia
HRevero
07-14-2003, 11:39 AM
Hi Aja!!!
Well, I am not really sure how things work in the UK, but in the states I even think you can just go to a tmj specialist or neuromuscular dentist and get diagnosed from them. This is probably a little more expensive but it cuts out the middle man who usually does not know anything anyway.
As for the lump thing it can be fluid, or your muscles are tight, or even possibly can be swollen.
Anastasia is right if you have had an MRI already that one was probably not the one for tmj. The mri and even x-rays that are for tmj is very specific and I believe you can't just go to anyone for them.
I suggest when you finally are diagnosed that you get x-rays done first, and then an mri. so far I am having better luck with a neuromuscualar dentist then a regualar tmj specialist but every case is different.
Things to look for in a specialist:
They really listen to your problems
Ask them questions when you don't understand
They want x-rays done BEFORE anything else
They mention surgury as the VERY LAST RESORT
They test for noises in your jaw joint
they check your balance
They talk about putting you in a splint AFTER x-rays are done
I hope this helps you, let us know what you decide!!!
Heather
Well, I am not really sure how things work in the UK, but in the states I even think you can just go to a tmj specialist or neuromuscular dentist and get diagnosed from them. This is probably a little more expensive but it cuts out the middle man who usually does not know anything anyway.
As for the lump thing it can be fluid, or your muscles are tight, or even possibly can be swollen.
Anastasia is right if you have had an MRI already that one was probably not the one for tmj. The mri and even x-rays that are for tmj is very specific and I believe you can't just go to anyone for them.
I suggest when you finally are diagnosed that you get x-rays done first, and then an mri. so far I am having better luck with a neuromuscualar dentist then a regualar tmj specialist but every case is different.
Things to look for in a specialist:
They really listen to your problems
Ask them questions when you don't understand
They want x-rays done BEFORE anything else
They mention surgury as the VERY LAST RESORT
They test for noises in your jaw joint
they check your balance
They talk about putting you in a splint AFTER x-rays are done
I hope this helps you, let us know what you decide!!!
Heather
aja
07-18-2003, 06:26 AM
Thank you Heather, Anastasia, all that info is really really helpful. I'll have to get onto it. I'll let you know how I get on.