CherylLynn24
10-14-2003, 04:06 AM
Hi All,
I know that this topic has been gone over before, but regardless if you have a 'good' or 'bad' bite....how much DOES stress influence TMJD??
Cheryl
I know that this topic has been gone over before, but regardless if you have a 'good' or 'bad' bite....how much DOES stress influence TMJD??
Cheryl
Sponsor
Marlene
10-14-2003, 10:00 AM
Hi Cheryl,
When teeth are out of position and bumping, or the jaw is unnaturally positioned, facial muscles are used to protect or "splint" the affected parts from further damage. This splinting response overloads the muscles to the point where they are unable to relax completely. This makes them more prone to painful spasms. A small amount of increased stress is all that is necessary to trigger a painful spasm when muscles are in this condition.
Marlene
When teeth are out of position and bumping, or the jaw is unnaturally positioned, facial muscles are used to protect or "splint" the affected parts from further damage. This splinting response overloads the muscles to the point where they are unable to relax completely. This makes them more prone to painful spasms. A small amount of increased stress is all that is necessary to trigger a painful spasm when muscles are in this condition.
Marlene
Cymy Sue
10-14-2003, 10:33 AM
Hi Cheryl,
I don't know if this will help, but maybe.
Prior to Massage Therapy for the last 4 years and my Splint 10 months ago, my whole upper body was in a mess. Neck, shoulders, upper back, arms and of course "Facial" due to muscle problems, caused by long-term TMJD.
My MT had been able to completely rid me of the upper body pain and discomfort and some of the facial muscular problems, with almost 4 years of weekly visits. I didn't see her every week after about a year, but when I would feel tense and stressed, I would set up a few appointments.
The Splint has completely relaxed my facial muscles and I have very few minor problems now.
As you know the last few weeks have been extremely stressfull for me. My TMJD problems have not worsened. Not even a tension headache. My splint is working.
My neck, shoulders, upper back, and arms are so tensed up and hurting, I could cry. It seems like the progress made with MT the last 4 years is gone. I had hoped a couple of days of rest at home would help, but so far it hasn't. I must have gotten much more stressed than I realized. I'm sure my MT will be able to get me back to being comfortable again in a few visits.
If I had not had the splint, I don't want to even think about the shape my face would be in.(AGAIN)
It's hard to believe that muscles can react so quickly and to such a degree of discomfort with added or ongoing stress.
For those of us with any stage of TMJ problems, stress & tension is our #1 enemy.
Cymy Sue
I don't know if this will help, but maybe.
Prior to Massage Therapy for the last 4 years and my Splint 10 months ago, my whole upper body was in a mess. Neck, shoulders, upper back, arms and of course "Facial" due to muscle problems, caused by long-term TMJD.
My MT had been able to completely rid me of the upper body pain and discomfort and some of the facial muscular problems, with almost 4 years of weekly visits. I didn't see her every week after about a year, but when I would feel tense and stressed, I would set up a few appointments.
The Splint has completely relaxed my facial muscles and I have very few minor problems now.
As you know the last few weeks have been extremely stressfull for me. My TMJD problems have not worsened. Not even a tension headache. My splint is working.
My neck, shoulders, upper back, and arms are so tensed up and hurting, I could cry. It seems like the progress made with MT the last 4 years is gone. I had hoped a couple of days of rest at home would help, but so far it hasn't. I must have gotten much more stressed than I realized. I'm sure my MT will be able to get me back to being comfortable again in a few visits.
If I had not had the splint, I don't want to even think about the shape my face would be in.(AGAIN)
It's hard to believe that muscles can react so quickly and to such a degree of discomfort with added or ongoing stress.
For those of us with any stage of TMJ problems, stress & tension is our #1 enemy.
Cymy Sue
PINKYPRISCILLA
10-14-2003, 11:07 AM
Why do some think it is just a stress/psychological problem? Stress does trigger it because stress causes tension, which makes the muscle spasms worse, which in turn causes the pain///// the vicious cycle.
But everyday life is full of stress, there's the daily commute, jobs, bosses, family problems, illness, and money problems I guess we have to learn how to handle it so we will not grind and clench at night. Psychologically the clenching and grinding is from unresolved conflicts and stresses that we feel out of control over. I think learning not to internalize these feeling and learning to vent and talk it out should help (along with the proper bite /splint therapy)
But everyday life is full of stress, there's the daily commute, jobs, bosses, family problems, illness, and money problems I guess we have to learn how to handle it so we will not grind and clench at night. Psychologically the clenching and grinding is from unresolved conflicts and stresses that we feel out of control over. I think learning not to internalize these feeling and learning to vent and talk it out should help (along with the proper bite /splint therapy)
kami-girl
10-14-2003, 12:42 PM
Hi,
I agree that stress does contribute to an increase of muscle spasm. I would love to have someone to talk to about all the unresolved stress, pain, etc that I am going through but I think until someone is walking down this road they just don't understand. Who do you talk to? Friends, good listeners are hard to find and get tired of the negative. Family feels helpless because they want the old wife, mom back. Forget psychology $200.00/hr, psychiatrist - impossible to see one here. Doctors don't have time. The only place I have is here. Lately I have tried to make new friends but am scared to death to tell them about my problems because I know they won't understand and may avoid me as well. I know I sound negative but sometimes this tmj just gets hard to live with.
Grace
I agree that stress does contribute to an increase of muscle spasm. I would love to have someone to talk to about all the unresolved stress, pain, etc that I am going through but I think until someone is walking down this road they just don't understand. Who do you talk to? Friends, good listeners are hard to find and get tired of the negative. Family feels helpless because they want the old wife, mom back. Forget psychology $200.00/hr, psychiatrist - impossible to see one here. Doctors don't have time. The only place I have is here. Lately I have tried to make new friends but am scared to death to tell them about my problems because I know they won't understand and may avoid me as well. I know I sound negative but sometimes this tmj just gets hard to live with.
Grace
Ouch-ear-pain
10-14-2003, 01:00 PM
Hi,
I have no idea but I would guess probably 50/50. Stress can cause a big role but sometimes the stress can be caused by having TMJ!! LOL I know for sure my TMJ is not caused by stress but my moms friend says it is mainly ONLY caused by stress! But I guess otherwise, because I seem to not stress. DO you know if that is good or bad? I honestly do not stress, I try and make the best of the situation!
Ear
go ear http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif go ear http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif go ear http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif go ear http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
I have no idea but I would guess probably 50/50. Stress can cause a big role but sometimes the stress can be caused by having TMJ!! LOL I know for sure my TMJ is not caused by stress but my moms friend says it is mainly ONLY caused by stress! But I guess otherwise, because I seem to not stress. DO you know if that is good or bad? I honestly do not stress, I try and make the best of the situation!
Ear
go ear http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif go ear http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif go ear http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif go ear http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
PINKYPRISCILLA
10-14-2003, 01:00 PM
HI,
It's ok ....Lets vent together!
Do you have a good understanding tmj dentist?
It's ok ....Lets vent together!
Do you have a good understanding tmj dentist?
PINKYPRISCILLA
10-14-2003, 01:04 PM
You are right Ouch
I don't know why people think it is only a stress related problem? Most of us have stress we just clench and grind
our teeth to show stress
I don't necessarily think tmj is all stress related because you can have a bad bite which can cause you to grind and clench ,too. A lot of people don't understand this problem even doctors and dentists. Finding a good one is hard. Even insurance companies don't want to cover it ?????
I don't know why people think it is only a stress related problem? Most of us have stress we just clench and grind
our teeth to show stress
I don't necessarily think tmj is all stress related because you can have a bad bite which can cause you to grind and clench ,too. A lot of people don't understand this problem even doctors and dentists. Finding a good one is hard. Even insurance companies don't want to cover it ?????
CherylLynn24
10-15-2003, 02:31 AM
Thank you all for your informative responses. I had asked this question for my benefit, not my Son's. As most of you know, I was diagnosed with TMJ dysfunction. My jaw and neck have been hurting more than I'd like to admit. My eye began to twitch, which I chalk up to stress, but last night while doing some reading, I started getting these shooting pains through the top left side of my head. They were so sharp, they nearly brought me to my knees. It scared me, as I've never experienced anything like that before. That's when I created this topic. Thankfully, after about 12 hours, they're gone although the jaw and neck pain remain.
I've always felt that stress can make TMJD patients worse....but never to this extent. Goodness, as soon as I'm able to get my Son on the road to recovery, I'm going to have to get some help myself. Thanks again, your responses are always appreciated.
Take Care,
Cheryl
I've always felt that stress can make TMJD patients worse....but never to this extent. Goodness, as soon as I'm able to get my Son on the road to recovery, I'm going to have to get some help myself. Thanks again, your responses are always appreciated.
Take Care,
Cheryl
Eric1
10-15-2003, 02:50 AM
I think those were some good posts. I like how marlene put it, that a small of amount of stress can trigger and already spasmatic muscle. So I think controlling our stess is important to us no doubt but to say thats the cause of is ridiculous I think. Yeah I can never find anyone to vent to myself. Friends dont want to hear my problems, and my family is far from supportive. I have some pretty bad days sometimes where I just want to tell someone what I'm going through but nobody even finds it interesting. Maybe I'll complain here a little more lol. Take care everyone.
Isobelj
10-15-2003, 03:03 AM
This is an interesting thread, I think Marlene's reply was worded excellently (well, all are!) and I think I have the overloaded muscles which are just unable to relax completely right now, I'm noting that if I just become momentarily anxious it can start off temporary spasms in my face and neck.
I'm absolutely attributing this to the tmj being already there, not the beginnings of the joint issues to stress, after all I've been very stressed many times before in my life but not developed tmj from it.
Maybe there is a positive side to this, we may all focus more on protecting ourselves from stress and learn to in a way look after ourselves more in many ways, prompted by our having experienced tmj.
Ear, your jumping emoticoms made me laugh! :)
Isobel
ps. Editing to add, Eric, we seem to have been posting similarly at the same time! I do find this board a big support, even at times when not many people post just looking through old messages can help me to understand my symptoms and this makes the whole tmj experience less frightening.
[This message has been edited by Isobelj (edited 10-15-2003).]
I'm absolutely attributing this to the tmj being already there, not the beginnings of the joint issues to stress, after all I've been very stressed many times before in my life but not developed tmj from it.
Maybe there is a positive side to this, we may all focus more on protecting ourselves from stress and learn to in a way look after ourselves more in many ways, prompted by our having experienced tmj.
Ear, your jumping emoticoms made me laugh! :)
Isobel
ps. Editing to add, Eric, we seem to have been posting similarly at the same time! I do find this board a big support, even at times when not many people post just looking through old messages can help me to understand my symptoms and this makes the whole tmj experience less frightening.
[This message has been edited by Isobelj (edited 10-15-2003).]
Cymy Sue
10-15-2003, 06:22 AM
Cheryl,
I was told years ago, (about 20) when I finally got brave enough to ask the Doctor about those lightening pains shooting up your jaw through the top of your head, that the temporal muscles are spasming. These muscles are large compared to the others involved and when they tense or spasm, it packs a wallop. (Everyone should ask their Doc. about any unusual or new pain, but with TMJD, this is pretty common)
I was 30ish and thought I was going to have a stroke.
I went through several years not knowing about a lot of the symtoms, because they seemed so weird and I thought "they" would think I was crazy.
I don't care what "they" think anymore and I "AM" a little bit more out-spoken now. :D
Cymy Sue
I was told years ago, (about 20) when I finally got brave enough to ask the Doctor about those lightening pains shooting up your jaw through the top of your head, that the temporal muscles are spasming. These muscles are large compared to the others involved and when they tense or spasm, it packs a wallop. (Everyone should ask their Doc. about any unusual or new pain, but with TMJD, this is pretty common)
I was 30ish and thought I was going to have a stroke.
I went through several years not knowing about a lot of the symtoms, because they seemed so weird and I thought "they" would think I was crazy.
I don't care what "they" think anymore and I "AM" a little bit more out-spoken now. :D
Cymy Sue
OHJELJ
10-15-2003, 04:37 PM
Hey Cheryl...I'm still around...once in a while! :) Your post certainly sparked an interest with me! I had my last PT appointment about 3 weeks ago....it occurred about 2 weeks after my last day of work and a few days after our vacation in Cape Cod. I opened to 47mm and was in the best shape that I've ever been in. I think this illustrates that stress can play a huge part in how your jaw feels!
Most of my problems historically have been muscle related. When you're stressed, of course your muscles are tensed, thus creating pain for a person with a muscle problem! I am so much more relaxed now that I'm out of the old office I worked in, my body is showing the signs of the difference! My husband notices that I'm not having any headaches or droopy eyes or any of the other problems I'd been having during my time in that office! (It was a very stressful environment!) Even though I'm unemployed now, I'm much more relaxed and I really feel the difference!
SO, to answer your post, stress plays a major factor in my pain levels!
Sorry to ramble on! Hope you're doing better now!
Take care,
Jennifer
Most of my problems historically have been muscle related. When you're stressed, of course your muscles are tensed, thus creating pain for a person with a muscle problem! I am so much more relaxed now that I'm out of the old office I worked in, my body is showing the signs of the difference! My husband notices that I'm not having any headaches or droopy eyes or any of the other problems I'd been having during my time in that office! (It was a very stressful environment!) Even though I'm unemployed now, I'm much more relaxed and I really feel the difference!
SO, to answer your post, stress plays a major factor in my pain levels!
Sorry to ramble on! Hope you're doing better now!
Take care,
Jennifer
CherylLynn24
10-16-2003, 02:04 AM
Cymy Sue,
Your post made me smile. Those muscles packing a wallop is an understatement! That pain was terribly bad. I have to say that my first thought was a stroke, too. When I finally managed to lay down that night, I just prayed not to be 'taken' just yet...I still have a child to see through all of this. Since that happened, I have to say that I've been using heat off and on. I was considering using his tens, but I guess I'm still leary of that since the last time it really bothered me.
I think of you often. I hope that you can see your MT soon. How is your Mother doing? I hope that she's doing better than she has been. You and Your Mother are always in my prayers. With all that you have going on, thank you for taking the time to respond to me.
Take Care,
Cheryl
Your post made me smile. Those muscles packing a wallop is an understatement! That pain was terribly bad. I have to say that my first thought was a stroke, too. When I finally managed to lay down that night, I just prayed not to be 'taken' just yet...I still have a child to see through all of this. Since that happened, I have to say that I've been using heat off and on. I was considering using his tens, but I guess I'm still leary of that since the last time it really bothered me.
I think of you often. I hope that you can see your MT soon. How is your Mother doing? I hope that she's doing better than she has been. You and Your Mother are always in my prayers. With all that you have going on, thank you for taking the time to respond to me.
Take Care,
Cheryl
CherylLynn24
10-16-2003, 02:16 AM
Jennifer,
It was nice to hear from you. I'm sorry to hear that you've lost your job....but happy to hear that since then, life is relaxing for you! :) It sounds like you're really doing well! Stress sure does a job on us, huh? Looks like I'll have to get out and start walking these dogs more! Thanks for responding, I guess it's not just me that has this problem. Enjoy your day tomorrow....although the weather here hasn't been too enjoyable!
Take Care,
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-16-2003).]
It was nice to hear from you. I'm sorry to hear that you've lost your job....but happy to hear that since then, life is relaxing for you! :) It sounds like you're really doing well! Stress sure does a job on us, huh? Looks like I'll have to get out and start walking these dogs more! Thanks for responding, I guess it's not just me that has this problem. Enjoy your day tomorrow....although the weather here hasn't been too enjoyable!
Take Care,
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-16-2003).]