Navy1990
11-28-2003, 10:54 AM
For those of you that have had trigger point injections-
What did you experience afterwards? It's been a week and I get periodic burning in the joint area. I had close to 30 injections accroding to the assistant. My opening increased to 52.5 afterwards. I've been told the burning could be lactic acid build-up. I just hope it isn't nerve related though. I'm having muscle spasms and burning symptoms. Also, I've only been in this new splint 2 weeks, so, maybe some of the spasms are related to that. These are new symptoms for me.
Navy
What did you experience afterwards? It's been a week and I get periodic burning in the joint area. I had close to 30 injections accroding to the assistant. My opening increased to 52.5 afterwards. I've been told the burning could be lactic acid build-up. I just hope it isn't nerve related though. I'm having muscle spasms and burning symptoms. Also, I've only been in this new splint 2 weeks, so, maybe some of the spasms are related to that. These are new symptoms for me.
Navy
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GenDen
11-28-2003, 12:08 PM
Did you have 30 trigger point injections in one session? I had trigger point injections at a university Pain Management Clinic. They would only do a maximum of 6 injections at one visit. I would suggest that you keep in touch with the doctor who did your injections so that he is aware of your symptoms. I suspect that discomfort can be expected for a few days after so many injections. If the discomfort doesn't clear up soon, be persistent in finding out from the doctor what is taking place.
Navy1990
11-28-2003, 01:52 PM
Did you have 30 trigger point injections in one session? I had trigger point injections at a university Pain Management Clinic. They would only do a maximum of 6 injections at one visit. I would suggest that you keep in touch with the doctor who did your injections so that he is aware of your symptoms. I suspect that discomfort can be expected for a few days after so many injections. If the discomfort doesn't clear up soon, be persistent in finding out from the doctor what is taking place.
Hi GenDen,
Actually what happened was that last Monday I was in excrutiating pain and went to my doctor. He listened to my symptoms and then he examined my muscle groups and when he went inside my mouth, I almost jumped off the chair. He thought it was muscular not joint pain, so, he suggested trigger point injections. Since I had not eaten all day and he said they make you queasy, he only did a few. I went back the next day and he did somemore. I was in a lot of pain when I got home and went right to bed. The next day, I was really sore and the assistant said I got about 30 injections...I'm not sure if I had that many or not, but, she said I would be sore. Then I went to PT and the therapist did ultrasound and stem on me....I was in excrutiating pain in the joint area after that. Not a good idea after trigger point to go to PT :(. Since then I have had a burning pain in the joint area...I'm told burning is from lactic acid in the muscles. I'm drinking tons of water today and taking muscle relaxers to keep the muscle spasms at bay. Ever since I started splint therapy I have had some really strange symptoms going on. The joint aches, the muscles spasm, and it feels like my face is just vibrating sometimes. Sometimes I wonder if I'm going backwards or forwards with tmj treatment. Next week they are going to do another tomo to see if I'm in the right position and have enough space. After 2 weeks, my bite is already changing. My doctor wants me to get my endoctrine system checked because he thinks some of the tmj symptoms might be related to the total hysterectomy I had 18 months ago. GenDen I am seeing an orthodontist that has a tmj clinic and also does functional jaw orthodontics. Like your specialist, mine makes the splints on site, which makes things a lot easier.
I hope you are having a pleasant Thanksgiving weekend GenDen.
Navy1990
Hi GenDen,
Actually what happened was that last Monday I was in excrutiating pain and went to my doctor. He listened to my symptoms and then he examined my muscle groups and when he went inside my mouth, I almost jumped off the chair. He thought it was muscular not joint pain, so, he suggested trigger point injections. Since I had not eaten all day and he said they make you queasy, he only did a few. I went back the next day and he did somemore. I was in a lot of pain when I got home and went right to bed. The next day, I was really sore and the assistant said I got about 30 injections...I'm not sure if I had that many or not, but, she said I would be sore. Then I went to PT and the therapist did ultrasound and stem on me....I was in excrutiating pain in the joint area after that. Not a good idea after trigger point to go to PT :(. Since then I have had a burning pain in the joint area...I'm told burning is from lactic acid in the muscles. I'm drinking tons of water today and taking muscle relaxers to keep the muscle spasms at bay. Ever since I started splint therapy I have had some really strange symptoms going on. The joint aches, the muscles spasm, and it feels like my face is just vibrating sometimes. Sometimes I wonder if I'm going backwards or forwards with tmj treatment. Next week they are going to do another tomo to see if I'm in the right position and have enough space. After 2 weeks, my bite is already changing. My doctor wants me to get my endoctrine system checked because he thinks some of the tmj symptoms might be related to the total hysterectomy I had 18 months ago. GenDen I am seeing an orthodontist that has a tmj clinic and also does functional jaw orthodontics. Like your specialist, mine makes the splints on site, which makes things a lot easier.
I hope you are having a pleasant Thanksgiving weekend GenDen.
Navy1990
GenDen
11-28-2003, 02:34 PM
Navy,
Sorry you are suffering. Hope it eases off soon. Your treatment sounds reasonable to me. I think it just takes time. I know that is not a lot of encouragement when you are in pain. Once trauma has victimized your muscles and caused them to recoil in spasm and contractions and develop trigger points, it takes a lot of skill and patience to coax them back to normal function.
Sorry you are suffering. Hope it eases off soon. Your treatment sounds reasonable to me. I think it just takes time. I know that is not a lot of encouragement when you are in pain. Once trauma has victimized your muscles and caused them to recoil in spasm and contractions and develop trigger points, it takes a lot of skill and patience to coax them back to normal function.
Navy1990
11-28-2003, 02:44 PM
Thanks for the encouragement GenDen,
So, I take it that the side effects I'm having from the splint therapy are par for the course? At least the tmj doctor did recognize that I have some muscle issues going on. He said that muscles are hard to retrain .....but, at least he didn't say impossible. The burning pain is what bothers me the most, because I'm not sure if it's nerve or muscle. Drinking water seems to be the thing most often recommended.
So, how are you doing these days GenDen? Is your splint therapy coming along? I know you had a set back after some surgery...but, are you back on track now? Are your symptoms getting under control? I hope you are having a painfree day.
Navy
So, I take it that the side effects I'm having from the splint therapy are par for the course? At least the tmj doctor did recognize that I have some muscle issues going on. He said that muscles are hard to retrain .....but, at least he didn't say impossible. The burning pain is what bothers me the most, because I'm not sure if it's nerve or muscle. Drinking water seems to be the thing most often recommended.
So, how are you doing these days GenDen? Is your splint therapy coming along? I know you had a set back after some surgery...but, are you back on track now? Are your symptoms getting under control? I hope you are having a painfree day.
Navy
GenDen
11-28-2003, 05:51 PM
I don't know if the burning pain is par for the course. If it continues and is really uncomfortable, your doctor should be told about it. I am on track with the splint therapy. The major problem I am dealing with now is that I have severe muscle issues. My TMJ specialist is very good to work with me and the physical therapist I am seeing. The therapist told me on the last visit that it is a long process to retrain the muscles--neural pathways. I am hoping that it is all going to work together and the muscles will be functioning normally soon. The TMJ specialist has done a fantastic job with the splint and aligning my jaw in the correct position. He has done his job well. I relate when you say that your muscles feel like they are vibrating. I believe that this is the trigger points firing. They get so used to responding by firing that it takes skill and persistence to retrain. I hope the trigger point injections help you. I firmly believe that it takes therapy working with the muscles and stretching along with the injections to finally heal.
Navy1990
11-28-2003, 07:43 PM
I don't know if the burning pain is par for the course. If it continues and is really uncomfortable, your doctor should be told about it. I am on track with the splint therapy. The major problem I am dealing with now is that I have severe muscle issues. My TMJ specialist is very good to work with me and the physical therapist I am seeing. The therapist told me on the last visit that it is a long process to retrain the muscles--neural pathways. I am hoping that it is all going to work together and the muscles will be functioning normally soon. The TMJ specialist has done a fantastic job with the splint and aligning my jaw in the correct position. He has done his job well. I relate when you say that your muscles feel like they are vibrating. I believe that this is the trigger points firing. They get so used to responding by firing that it takes skill and persistence to retrain. I hope the trigger point injections help you. I firmly believe that it takes therapy working with the muscles and stretching along with the injections to finally heal.
Hi GenDen,
I am so glad that the splint therapy is working for you. How long have you been in the splint now? Will your bite position change so that you will have to get dental work done? Did you have displaced discs that they are trying to recapture? My doc says not to worry about disc position or noise at this point. once he gets me out of pain and there is enough space in the joint, the ligaments will heal. It will not happen overnight for me.
I'm not sure if I want anymore trigger point injections. I guess it will depend on how much pain I'm in. My Doc said that some people get instant relief, others it takes awhile. I'm one of those that it takes awhile. But, I do see a difference now. I am getting spray and stretch done on my neck and other muscles which seems to be helping. Also, the chiropractor has been doing adjustments along with the splint therapy.
The burning seems to be better this evening. I have also broken out in a bumpy rash on both sides of my face. I don't have a clue what is going on with that.
When I went for my last visit, the doc checked my opening (52.5 after trigger point injections), 12mm to the right ...and 8mm to the left. There is always the posssibility of scar tissue, but, hopefully that isn't an issue for me. Some patients get sent out for that scar tissue surgery...I'll avoid that at all costs. I used to have restrictions on the right and the left was normal. So, he said that the next visit he wants to do another tomo with the splint in and see how much space I have. Maybe I'm not in the right position. He said splint therapy is a learning experience as well.....his assistant says like peeling an onion....I say, yeah like an onion that makes you want to cry!
I hope things get better for you GenDen...muscle issues are painful, but, it appears that you have some great care available. My doctor said the same thing your PT said ...It takes a long time to retrain the muscles.
Take care,
Navy1990
Hi GenDen,
I am so glad that the splint therapy is working for you. How long have you been in the splint now? Will your bite position change so that you will have to get dental work done? Did you have displaced discs that they are trying to recapture? My doc says not to worry about disc position or noise at this point. once he gets me out of pain and there is enough space in the joint, the ligaments will heal. It will not happen overnight for me.
I'm not sure if I want anymore trigger point injections. I guess it will depend on how much pain I'm in. My Doc said that some people get instant relief, others it takes awhile. I'm one of those that it takes awhile. But, I do see a difference now. I am getting spray and stretch done on my neck and other muscles which seems to be helping. Also, the chiropractor has been doing adjustments along with the splint therapy.
The burning seems to be better this evening. I have also broken out in a bumpy rash on both sides of my face. I don't have a clue what is going on with that.
When I went for my last visit, the doc checked my opening (52.5 after trigger point injections), 12mm to the right ...and 8mm to the left. There is always the posssibility of scar tissue, but, hopefully that isn't an issue for me. Some patients get sent out for that scar tissue surgery...I'll avoid that at all costs. I used to have restrictions on the right and the left was normal. So, he said that the next visit he wants to do another tomo with the splint in and see how much space I have. Maybe I'm not in the right position. He said splint therapy is a learning experience as well.....his assistant says like peeling an onion....I say, yeah like an onion that makes you want to cry!
I hope things get better for you GenDen...muscle issues are painful, but, it appears that you have some great care available. My doctor said the same thing your PT said ...It takes a long time to retrain the muscles.
Take care,
Navy1990
GenDen
11-29-2003, 12:15 PM
I have been in the present splint position for about eight months. My bite is permanently in that position and I will have to have seven new crowns to that position. Yes, the MRI showed displaced discs. It shouldn't be an issue now that my joint space is normal. The problem to fix now is the muscle imbalance and tiggerpoint accumulation. I have heard the "like peeling an onion" phrase too. I like your response of crying. I wonder if the bumps on the sides of your face are from an allergy to the medication in the trigger point injections. Best wishes to you in your recovery. Sounds like you are on the right track.
Navy1990
11-29-2003, 04:19 PM
Hi GenDen,
Thank-you so very much for responding and sharing your experiences with me. It helps to hear from someone that has been in the treatment plan awhile.
I'm only just beginning to peal the onion so to speak, so, it is going to be a long process. My doctor isn't concerned about the displaced discs. Right now he wants to get the muscle issues under control and get me comfortable and out of pain. Like you, I've been told that it takes time to retrain muscles. Also, your point about the rash being a reaction to the injections made me wonder. I'll be sure to ask the doctor about it. Everything is changing all the time ...the muscles, ligaments healing, etc. I've been adjusted every time I've been in to see the doctor, probably at least 3 times. I feel I'm on the right track, but, sometimes I do get a little hesitant when things take 3 steps backwards. Also, my dentist is a functional orthodontist. I've been told that they have 2 other dentists that they use if you need dental work.
Is your dentist going to do your phase II crowns when the time comes? I'm not sure about braces. If upper palatal expansion surgery for braces is required, I'll opt for dental work. . I know I'll need at least both bridges on both sides of my lower teeth replaced, because there are already huge gaps when I'm in the splint. My lower teeth have been brought forward a lot. I like the fact that my doctor isn't talking about full mouth reconstruction to stabalize the bite. But, that's a long way off anyway. There is lots of healing to be done and my dentist won't even talk about braces or anything until I'm totally well and painfree for at least 4 months. I like that he isn't in a rush to do phase II.
GenDen do you have the same splint for night and day? I'm wearing the same one 24/7. Also, do you have any tips on splint wear? My doctor seems to think you have to move the jaw a little to break up scar tissue. He said it can be painful, but, once you break through it there is relief. PT is supposed to accompany the splint treatment. I try not to open my mouth too wide, but, then my muscles get tight. I'm going to ask my doctor about massage therapy. It may help. For now the Skelaxin and Magnesium are helping somewhat.
I hope you feel better soon GenDen.
Take care!
Navy1990
Thank-you so very much for responding and sharing your experiences with me. It helps to hear from someone that has been in the treatment plan awhile.
I'm only just beginning to peal the onion so to speak, so, it is going to be a long process. My doctor isn't concerned about the displaced discs. Right now he wants to get the muscle issues under control and get me comfortable and out of pain. Like you, I've been told that it takes time to retrain muscles. Also, your point about the rash being a reaction to the injections made me wonder. I'll be sure to ask the doctor about it. Everything is changing all the time ...the muscles, ligaments healing, etc. I've been adjusted every time I've been in to see the doctor, probably at least 3 times. I feel I'm on the right track, but, sometimes I do get a little hesitant when things take 3 steps backwards. Also, my dentist is a functional orthodontist. I've been told that they have 2 other dentists that they use if you need dental work.
Is your dentist going to do your phase II crowns when the time comes? I'm not sure about braces. If upper palatal expansion surgery for braces is required, I'll opt for dental work. . I know I'll need at least both bridges on both sides of my lower teeth replaced, because there are already huge gaps when I'm in the splint. My lower teeth have been brought forward a lot. I like the fact that my doctor isn't talking about full mouth reconstruction to stabalize the bite. But, that's a long way off anyway. There is lots of healing to be done and my dentist won't even talk about braces or anything until I'm totally well and painfree for at least 4 months. I like that he isn't in a rush to do phase II.
GenDen do you have the same splint for night and day? I'm wearing the same one 24/7. Also, do you have any tips on splint wear? My doctor seems to think you have to move the jaw a little to break up scar tissue. He said it can be painful, but, once you break through it there is relief. PT is supposed to accompany the splint treatment. I try not to open my mouth too wide, but, then my muscles get tight. I'm going to ask my doctor about massage therapy. It may help. For now the Skelaxin and Magnesium are helping somewhat.
I hope you feel better soon GenDen.
Take care!
Navy1990
GenDen
11-29-2003, 05:31 PM
It took me quite a few adjustments over several months before my bite was stabilized in the right place. At first it was higher, then lowered as the joint healed. My functional jaw orthopedics dentist wants to do the crowns himself. He says that way he can get them just the way they should be. My regular dentist is a prosthodontist who specializes in crowns, so I haven't made a final decision yet. I'll probably go with the TMJ specialist since he has done so much work to get my bite stabilized.
My experience is that when the problems are largely with muscles, it takes a team of the TMJ specialist and the physical therapist to work through the healing. I don't know of any perfect situations in my area where the PT works right in the office of the dentist so that they can confer regularly. That would be ideal. It takes a long time and a lot of work and patience to undo the damage that has accrued over a long period of time.
My experience is that when the problems are largely with muscles, it takes a team of the TMJ specialist and the physical therapist to work through the healing. I don't know of any perfect situations in my area where the PT works right in the office of the dentist so that they can confer regularly. That would be ideal. It takes a long time and a lot of work and patience to undo the damage that has accrued over a long period of time.
Navy1990
11-29-2003, 08:18 PM
It took me quite a few adjustments over several months before my bite was stabilized in the right place. At first it was higher, then lowered as the joint healed. My functional jaw orthopedics dentist wants to do the crowns himself. He says that way he can get them just the way they should be. My regular dentist is a prosthodontist who specializes in crowns, so I haven't made a final decision yet. I'll probably go with the TMJ specialist since he has done so much work to get my bite stabilized.
My experience is that when the problems are largely with muscles, it takes a team of the TMJ specialist and the physical therapist to work through the healing. I don't know of any perfect situations in my area where the PT works right in the office of the dentist so that they can confer regularly. That would be ideal. It takes a long time and a lot of work and patience to undo the damage that has accrued over a long period of time.
Hi GenDen,
Apparently, this is not going to be a quick fix by any means. Do you ever have a burning sensation in the muscles or tmj joints at all? The burning after the trigger point has calmed down, but, I still get a burning sensation at times in the left joint when I talk, laugh, or use it to eat. It isn't bad, but, I'm wondering if it could be anything else but muscle. The good thing is the pain and swelling have gone down quite a bit. Did you ever get sharp twinges or pain in your joints when you were first going through the splint therapy? My husband said it's probably from my joints being repositioned and the body adapting. I only have the problems on my left side. The doctor didn't mention anything like this, but, I'm thinking he probably doesn't because all the patients heal differently.
I personally don't think I'm in the right position just yet, nor does the doctor. They are peeling that darn onion again! I've got the tears to prove it! I had my doctor check my range of motion at the last appointment. Everything was in normal range except the left side. He says something is blocking that, so, maybe they don't have me in the right position. I'm not very high at all. They are going to do another tomo in about a week and see if there is enough room. I am still clicking a little bit, but, it seems like the disc has moved up. From what you and my doctor explained, disc position doesn't matter once the joint room is normal. The ligaments will heal and it takes time. My main issues are the burning and muscle problems at this point. My condyles are in good shape so at least I have that going for me. I do not do well with the ultrasound or stem. They seem to flare-up my joint and aggravate the condition. Maybe I can talk the PT Into doing primarily my neck and muscles for awhile. I do not want to have the pain I had at the last PT session. It was awful.
You are fortunate that your doctor is a dentist that can do the crowns for you. Mine is an orthodontist, so, he has to send you out for dental work. Even if I got braces, I have crowns and bridges that would have to be worked around with a dentist. The ideal situation is to have the TMJ specialist also do the final restorations/phase II because they have worked on you and are familiar with the bite. It is an exact science and has to be done very carefully.
My doctor used to have PT right there at his facility, because they couldn't find anyone that did it the way they should for TMJ. He isn't going to have this in the new facility. He now sends patients to one particular PT that he feels is the best in my area.
GenDen I appreciate your posts. We all can learn from each other. Well, right now you are actually the one with the most experience with treatment, but, I'm learning. Thank-you very much for sharing.
Take care and have a great evening!
Navy1990
My experience is that when the problems are largely with muscles, it takes a team of the TMJ specialist and the physical therapist to work through the healing. I don't know of any perfect situations in my area where the PT works right in the office of the dentist so that they can confer regularly. That would be ideal. It takes a long time and a lot of work and patience to undo the damage that has accrued over a long period of time.
Hi GenDen,
Apparently, this is not going to be a quick fix by any means. Do you ever have a burning sensation in the muscles or tmj joints at all? The burning after the trigger point has calmed down, but, I still get a burning sensation at times in the left joint when I talk, laugh, or use it to eat. It isn't bad, but, I'm wondering if it could be anything else but muscle. The good thing is the pain and swelling have gone down quite a bit. Did you ever get sharp twinges or pain in your joints when you were first going through the splint therapy? My husband said it's probably from my joints being repositioned and the body adapting. I only have the problems on my left side. The doctor didn't mention anything like this, but, I'm thinking he probably doesn't because all the patients heal differently.
I personally don't think I'm in the right position just yet, nor does the doctor. They are peeling that darn onion again! I've got the tears to prove it! I had my doctor check my range of motion at the last appointment. Everything was in normal range except the left side. He says something is blocking that, so, maybe they don't have me in the right position. I'm not very high at all. They are going to do another tomo in about a week and see if there is enough room. I am still clicking a little bit, but, it seems like the disc has moved up. From what you and my doctor explained, disc position doesn't matter once the joint room is normal. The ligaments will heal and it takes time. My main issues are the burning and muscle problems at this point. My condyles are in good shape so at least I have that going for me. I do not do well with the ultrasound or stem. They seem to flare-up my joint and aggravate the condition. Maybe I can talk the PT Into doing primarily my neck and muscles for awhile. I do not want to have the pain I had at the last PT session. It was awful.
You are fortunate that your doctor is a dentist that can do the crowns for you. Mine is an orthodontist, so, he has to send you out for dental work. Even if I got braces, I have crowns and bridges that would have to be worked around with a dentist. The ideal situation is to have the TMJ specialist also do the final restorations/phase II because they have worked on you and are familiar with the bite. It is an exact science and has to be done very carefully.
My doctor used to have PT right there at his facility, because they couldn't find anyone that did it the way they should for TMJ. He isn't going to have this in the new facility. He now sends patients to one particular PT that he feels is the best in my area.
GenDen I appreciate your posts. We all can learn from each other. Well, right now you are actually the one with the most experience with treatment, but, I'm learning. Thank-you very much for sharing.
Take care and have a great evening!
Navy1990
GenDen
11-30-2003, 12:26 AM
Yes, I have had burning sensations. It so concerned me that I went to a neurologist to see if it was neuralgia. It turns out that the muscle spasms and contractions pinch nerves and cause the burning. When the spasms settle down, the burning disappears. I find when things are flared up, it is best to limit chewing and talking. An applesauce, ice cream, yogurt, scrambled egg day or two helps. I have not had sharp pains in the joint so I can't relate to that.
The left side is my problem side as well. My range of motion is also normal except for excursion of my jaw to the right. The PT says that it is a muscle/capsule restriction. He does a physical therapy movement with my jaw to stretch the left side that is really helping. I would describe what he does, but I don't think it would be a good idea because it shouldn't be done by anyone except a trained therapist. I found that I could tolerate the ultrasound. However, the electrical stimulation (stim) often fired up the trigger points too much. If the therapist did the stim, it was okay, but if the assistants did it, it was too much. Tell your therapist that the stim fires the trigger points up too much. He will appreciate the feedback. My current physical therapist does not use electrical stimulation or ultrasound. One of the problems I am still trying to cope with is that when things feel better, I overdo with using my jaw or do my exercises too vigorously. I have to remember that it takes very little at this point to flare things up again. Even lifting, working too hard, not getting enough rest, getting stressed cause flare ups. I need to rest the jaw and the muscles of my head and neck just like I would rest a knee problem or an ankle problem. It is harder because eating and talking are so automatic.
The left side is my problem side as well. My range of motion is also normal except for excursion of my jaw to the right. The PT says that it is a muscle/capsule restriction. He does a physical therapy movement with my jaw to stretch the left side that is really helping. I would describe what he does, but I don't think it would be a good idea because it shouldn't be done by anyone except a trained therapist. I found that I could tolerate the ultrasound. However, the electrical stimulation (stim) often fired up the trigger points too much. If the therapist did the stim, it was okay, but if the assistants did it, it was too much. Tell your therapist that the stim fires the trigger points up too much. He will appreciate the feedback. My current physical therapist does not use electrical stimulation or ultrasound. One of the problems I am still trying to cope with is that when things feel better, I overdo with using my jaw or do my exercises too vigorously. I have to remember that it takes very little at this point to flare things up again. Even lifting, working too hard, not getting enough rest, getting stressed cause flare ups. I need to rest the jaw and the muscles of my head and neck just like I would rest a knee problem or an ankle problem. It is harder because eating and talking are so automatic.
Navy1990
11-30-2003, 02:30 AM
Yes, I have had burning sensations. It so concerned me that I went to a neurologist to see if it was neuralgia. It turns out that the muscle spasms and contractions pinch nerves and cause the burning. When the spasms settle down, the burning disappears. I find when things are flared up, it is best to limit chewing and talking. An applesauce, ice cream, yogurt, scrambled egg day or two helps. I have not had sharp pains in the joint so I can't relate to that.
The left side is my problem side as well. My range of motion is also normal except for excursion of my jaw to the right. The PT says that it is a muscle/capsule restriction. He does a physical therapy movement with my jaw to stretch the left side that is really helping. I would describe what he does, but I don't think it would be a good idea because it shouldn't be done by anyone except a trained therapist. I found that I could tolerate the ultrasound. However, the electrical stimulation (stim) often fired up the trigger points too much. If the therapist did the stim, it was okay, but if the assistants did it, it was too much. Tell your therapist that the stim fires the trigger points up too much. He will appreciate the feedback. My current physical therapist does not use electrical stimulation or ultrasound. One of the problems I am still trying to cope with is that when things feel better, I overdo with using my jaw or do my exercises too vigorously. I have to remember that it takes very little at this point to flare things up again. Even lifting, working too hard, not getting enough rest, getting stressed cause flare ups. I need to rest the jaw and the muscles of my head and neck just like I would rest a knee problem or an ankle problem. It is harder because eating and talking are so automatic.
Hi GenDen,
I used to be able to stand the ultrasound. But, started having problems with it last July after I believe too much of it. My massage therapist believes the area got dried out. Now with the muscle spasms and sensitivity in the left joint, it takes very little to flare it up. Even massaging the area seems to make it ache. Tonight, just talking at the dinner table started some burning. This is the area that causes me the most problems. I used to think it was a problem with the joint, but, I feel a pulsing muscle spasm there at times and probably with the pulled forward postion of the splint, it is fighting the new position. I'm not an expert, these are just my thoughts. I've never had an MRI to see what is going on with the soft tissue, and at this point, unless the doctor can't get me better, he doesn't feel the need to send me for one. He also pointed out that an MRI would only stretch the ligaments further. I'm told I would get the same therapy regardless of the condition of the disc anyway. I am not built up that high at all. My front teeth appear to be almost touching in the splint. Maybe if they build me up a little, it will give the joint more space to heal. Hopefully that will be the case when I go back to the doctor.
I have done the days of rest and soft food. The sharp pain in the joint does not happen often. It alarmed me the day before Thanksgiving when I was standing in line at the grocery store and I got this awful stabbing pain in the joint. It was very uncomfortable and it concerned me. I have to remember that the joint was very flared up when I first went to my current doctor. So, I have to get over worrying that there is something going on in there other than healing. I have not gone to a neurologist. Your explanation of trigger points makes perfect sense. I can see how the stem could cause problems. I will mention the firing of the trigger points to the PT. This is probably why I was in pain after the last session. I guess I'm to expect some soreness and aching in the joint area while in the splint. Everything is in a new position.
The PT does a manipulation of the jaw that is supposed to stretch the joint capsule and allow for the disc to be recaptured. She does it on both sides of my jaw. Also, I started taking a liquid glucosamine called synflex for joints that I'm hoping will help with some of the joint soreness if it is truly a joint problem. Although my condyles have no degeneration or arthritis, so, it shouldn't be the joints. More space for everything to move around, by means of a splint adjustment may help the situation. The muscle issues will take more time. Patience is something that I'm finding a challenge at times.
Navy1990
The left side is my problem side as well. My range of motion is also normal except for excursion of my jaw to the right. The PT says that it is a muscle/capsule restriction. He does a physical therapy movement with my jaw to stretch the left side that is really helping. I would describe what he does, but I don't think it would be a good idea because it shouldn't be done by anyone except a trained therapist. I found that I could tolerate the ultrasound. However, the electrical stimulation (stim) often fired up the trigger points too much. If the therapist did the stim, it was okay, but if the assistants did it, it was too much. Tell your therapist that the stim fires the trigger points up too much. He will appreciate the feedback. My current physical therapist does not use electrical stimulation or ultrasound. One of the problems I am still trying to cope with is that when things feel better, I overdo with using my jaw or do my exercises too vigorously. I have to remember that it takes very little at this point to flare things up again. Even lifting, working too hard, not getting enough rest, getting stressed cause flare ups. I need to rest the jaw and the muscles of my head and neck just like I would rest a knee problem or an ankle problem. It is harder because eating and talking are so automatic.
Hi GenDen,
I used to be able to stand the ultrasound. But, started having problems with it last July after I believe too much of it. My massage therapist believes the area got dried out. Now with the muscle spasms and sensitivity in the left joint, it takes very little to flare it up. Even massaging the area seems to make it ache. Tonight, just talking at the dinner table started some burning. This is the area that causes me the most problems. I used to think it was a problem with the joint, but, I feel a pulsing muscle spasm there at times and probably with the pulled forward postion of the splint, it is fighting the new position. I'm not an expert, these are just my thoughts. I've never had an MRI to see what is going on with the soft tissue, and at this point, unless the doctor can't get me better, he doesn't feel the need to send me for one. He also pointed out that an MRI would only stretch the ligaments further. I'm told I would get the same therapy regardless of the condition of the disc anyway. I am not built up that high at all. My front teeth appear to be almost touching in the splint. Maybe if they build me up a little, it will give the joint more space to heal. Hopefully that will be the case when I go back to the doctor.
I have done the days of rest and soft food. The sharp pain in the joint does not happen often. It alarmed me the day before Thanksgiving when I was standing in line at the grocery store and I got this awful stabbing pain in the joint. It was very uncomfortable and it concerned me. I have to remember that the joint was very flared up when I first went to my current doctor. So, I have to get over worrying that there is something going on in there other than healing. I have not gone to a neurologist. Your explanation of trigger points makes perfect sense. I can see how the stem could cause problems. I will mention the firing of the trigger points to the PT. This is probably why I was in pain after the last session. I guess I'm to expect some soreness and aching in the joint area while in the splint. Everything is in a new position.
The PT does a manipulation of the jaw that is supposed to stretch the joint capsule and allow for the disc to be recaptured. She does it on both sides of my jaw. Also, I started taking a liquid glucosamine called synflex for joints that I'm hoping will help with some of the joint soreness if it is truly a joint problem. Although my condyles have no degeneration or arthritis, so, it shouldn't be the joints. More space for everything to move around, by means of a splint adjustment may help the situation. The muscle issues will take more time. Patience is something that I'm finding a challenge at times.
Navy1990