jim1971
06-29-2007, 10:46 AM
Hi :) I just thought i would check in and give an update after my 3rd week with the lower 24/7 splint. Overall the pressure symptoms in my ears are a lot better which is a good thing. Other changes are my temporal muscles dont seem as sore as they were. In fact a lot of that load seems to have shifted to my TMJ joints, and my jaw muscles. I still feel tightness in the area around the joint, soreness in the muscles in that general area, and leading down and away from it (masseters i think). The soreness seems to get worse as the day goes on and 'resets' after i sleep. In general it seems the loads are shifting around in there. Does anyone else relate to this shifting etc? I encourage all of you going through treatment to post here how you are doing and similar or not similar symptom progression.
J
J
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Marlinsum
06-29-2007, 02:54 PM
Jim, I’m seeing Dr. Steed also. I’m a little over a week into splint therapy With a mora splint. I had a little trouble with the splint until it was adjusted My teeth was making contact on the right side before the left and was making my right ear hurt really bad. Within 5 min. of having It adjusted the pain in my ear was gone.
Like you I have fond that my temporal muscles are not as sore as they once were in fact I hardly feel any pain in my Temporal muscles at all now But I’m having a lot more soreness in my jaw muscles it seems to run along the lower jaw line and on the side of my neck only on the left side. I had a few days were I was having pain in both TM Joints now it’s just an ach That comes and goes and it’s only on the left side.
My symptoms are fullness/pressure in both ears ringing in my right ear
dizziness neck pain temporal pain Left jaw clicks when I open wide.
Like you I have fond that my temporal muscles are not as sore as they once were in fact I hardly feel any pain in my Temporal muscles at all now But I’m having a lot more soreness in my jaw muscles it seems to run along the lower jaw line and on the side of my neck only on the left side. I had a few days were I was having pain in both TM Joints now it’s just an ach That comes and goes and it’s only on the left side.
My symptoms are fullness/pressure in both ears ringing in my right ear
dizziness neck pain temporal pain Left jaw clicks when I open wide.
jim1971
06-29-2007, 03:20 PM
Small World! :) You sound like you have a lot of the same issues im having. The pressure issues with me seem to be quite a bit better now. Riding an elevator seemed to kick it off or going from inside to outside etc. Now i still get it - but not nearly as often. Early on when i had no idea what was going on, it seemed like it was like that all the time. Now it seems like i have more soreness as the day goes on and i start looking for some form of ice to put on my lower jaw and tm joints.
Keep me posted how you are doing and ill do the same :)
J
Keep me posted how you are doing and ill do the same :)
J
loudawg
06-29-2007, 08:40 PM
I like the idea of this thread Jim.
I'm at 2.5 weeks with a lower horseshoe splint. I have had 2 adjustments.
Positives
I feel both my masseters move when i bite down instead of just my left one before. There's less frequency of popping and pressure in the ears.
Negatives
I feel more soreness in the jaw muscles. I still have all the muscle tension in the left side of my head (posterior temporalis) and neck. There are strong spasms several times per day. I feel like it's creeping down to my shoulders now too. I have had episodes where I felt my dizziness was stronger than ever.
The splint feels good in my mouth and my dentist says that my bite with the splint is almost in it's natural position (when I bite w/ the splint it hits almost as evenly as when they TENS me hard and my teeth bite). He says the physical therapy should help w/ the muscle tension.
I'm at 2.5 weeks with a lower horseshoe splint. I have had 2 adjustments.
Positives
I feel both my masseters move when i bite down instead of just my left one before. There's less frequency of popping and pressure in the ears.
Negatives
I feel more soreness in the jaw muscles. I still have all the muscle tension in the left side of my head (posterior temporalis) and neck. There are strong spasms several times per day. I feel like it's creeping down to my shoulders now too. I have had episodes where I felt my dizziness was stronger than ever.
The splint feels good in my mouth and my dentist says that my bite with the splint is almost in it's natural position (when I bite w/ the splint it hits almost as evenly as when they TENS me hard and my teeth bite). He says the physical therapy should help w/ the muscle tension.
luvtocamp
06-30-2007, 11:57 AM
"I still have all the muscle tension in the left side of my head (posterior temporalis) and neck. There are strong spasms several times per day. I feel like it's creeping down to my shoulders now too."
I have these symptoms too with head hum on the same side. They say my head bones are not in the right place.
When I was in my last splint, my symptoms changed also.
I have these symptoms too with head hum on the same side. They say my head bones are not in the right place.
When I was in my last splint, my symptoms changed also.
Marlinsum
07-06-2007, 01:44 PM
Well I’m 2 weeks into Splint therapy. My tm joints are feeling pretty good not getting as many aches. My jaw muscles are still sore on the left side it’s not as bad as it was last week so I’m hoping as time goes on this will continue to get better. Still having some dizziness and my neck is killing me so I’ll be going to see my chiropractor next week. I’m still finding it hard to eat in my splint I have to say that’s the thing I hate most about 24/7 splint therapy.
loudawg
07-09-2007, 06:38 PM
July 12th will mark 1 complete month with my lower splint. And I can genuinely say that I have more and different kinds of muscle spasm / twitching now then when I began. This is frustrating. I've seen my dentist for 2 adjustments w/ a 3rd this week.
Before most of the spasm (as far as I could feel) was in my temporals and neck. Now I feel tightness in the previous areas and also in the face area (cheek / forehead area). I also have weird twitching in my calf, foot and arm. This isn't painful, but is kinda freaky. I did a search on this board and found someone else that experienced this weird twitching after getting a splint. They attributed it to the splint causing a reaction w/ associated muscles. I hope they're right. They aren't really active on the board anymore so maybe it all cleared up for them. Anyhow, thought I'd vent / share.
:dizzy:
Before most of the spasm (as far as I could feel) was in my temporals and neck. Now I feel tightness in the previous areas and also in the face area (cheek / forehead area). I also have weird twitching in my calf, foot and arm. This isn't painful, but is kinda freaky. I did a search on this board and found someone else that experienced this weird twitching after getting a splint. They attributed it to the splint causing a reaction w/ associated muscles. I hope they're right. They aren't really active on the board anymore so maybe it all cleared up for them. Anyhow, thought I'd vent / share.
:dizzy:
sunflower22
07-09-2007, 08:05 PM
You don't eat with your splint in. I wear a splint and take it out when I eat.
jim1971
07-09-2007, 11:32 PM
5 weeks here with a lower orthotic 24/7 and i was instructed to NOT take it out when eating.
Negatives: seems like more soreness in TMJ's at times, still deal with eustachian things on left side. (pops, pressure).
Positives: Pain isnt as spread out, pressure problems in cars, elevators etc are a lot better. Doesnt feel like someone has a bridal in my joints yanking on it. Sleeping a lot better. Right side symptoms are better.
I think as the pain goes down in my actual joints, i will continue to feel good about treatment - although like everyone else in here i do get down at times. I have been told many times though it is still early in the treatment.
J
Negatives: seems like more soreness in TMJ's at times, still deal with eustachian things on left side. (pops, pressure).
Positives: Pain isnt as spread out, pressure problems in cars, elevators etc are a lot better. Doesnt feel like someone has a bridal in my joints yanking on it. Sleeping a lot better. Right side symptoms are better.
I think as the pain goes down in my actual joints, i will continue to feel good about treatment - although like everyone else in here i do get down at times. I have been told many times though it is still early in the treatment.
J
alorcoy
07-10-2007, 05:01 PM
I have a neuromuscular orthotic (lower splint that adjusted to my "correct" jaw position) and I wear it 24/7, including while I eat. It has taken months for me to really feel a profound effect from it, but it has been worth it.
Nice to hear about your progress.
Nice to hear about your progress.
jim1971
07-17-2007, 08:10 PM
Well 6 weeks in and just saw doc S yesterday. Overall in the last 6 weeks:
The Good:
The last week ive seen improvement. Less aches over all in head, neck. I dont seem to have problems with pressure stabilization - vastly improved over early on. Right tm joint doesnt bother me that much now but i still get the tingling, tight sensations at time on that side. Today got up and really didnt have much trouble til about 2pm or so. :) Doctor is pleased so far with how im doing.
The 'other':
Left tm joint still gets sore several times a day, and when its not sore it still feels tight on that side. Still get the tightness in different spots on the left side with tingling. I tend to get too up when its feeling better and then down when i get sore again.
Overall it seems like everything is getting better but slowly and its like im retracing the steps backwards to get there. (If you know what i mean)
J
The Good:
The last week ive seen improvement. Less aches over all in head, neck. I dont seem to have problems with pressure stabilization - vastly improved over early on. Right tm joint doesnt bother me that much now but i still get the tingling, tight sensations at time on that side. Today got up and really didnt have much trouble til about 2pm or so. :) Doctor is pleased so far with how im doing.
The 'other':
Left tm joint still gets sore several times a day, and when its not sore it still feels tight on that side. Still get the tightness in different spots on the left side with tingling. I tend to get too up when its feeling better and then down when i get sore again.
Overall it seems like everything is getting better but slowly and its like im retracing the steps backwards to get there. (If you know what i mean)
J
pipdog
07-27-2007, 09:13 AM
Thanks for the feedback on splints; I'm getting measured for mine in two weeks so its good to know what to expect and get some HOPE for everyone's experience.
Moopy
08-11-2007, 08:29 AM
I am so pleased to have found this thread!
I have recently been 'fitted' for a lower splint and should be getting it within the next couple of weeks. I will let you all know how I get on with it.
Over the last couple of days my TMJ symptoms seem to have worsened. I think a lot of it is due to stress (I work in a very stressful job). I am actually off work at the moment. Can anybody tell me if it is worth going to see my Doctor? Also, I have a very knotty back - would a chiropractor be able to ease some of these TMJ symptoms?
The main question I wanted to ask, is how noticeable are the lower splints when you are wearing them? I know I am going to sound really vain etc but I know that my colleagues will really laugh at me if it is too noticeable!
All advice greatly received!
Claire
I have recently been 'fitted' for a lower splint and should be getting it within the next couple of weeks. I will let you all know how I get on with it.
Over the last couple of days my TMJ symptoms seem to have worsened. I think a lot of it is due to stress (I work in a very stressful job). I am actually off work at the moment. Can anybody tell me if it is worth going to see my Doctor? Also, I have a very knotty back - would a chiropractor be able to ease some of these TMJ symptoms?
The main question I wanted to ask, is how noticeable are the lower splints when you are wearing them? I know I am going to sound really vain etc but I know that my colleagues will really laugh at me if it is too noticeable!
All advice greatly received!
Claire
loudawg
08-11-2007, 02:46 PM
Moopy,
I wear a lower splint. Only 1 co-worker has ever noticed it without me pointing it out to them. At first, you may have a slight lisp which people may notice. The lower splint "feels" big in your mouth so psychologically you feel like everyone sees it, but most people don't.
g'luck.
loudawg
I wear a lower splint. Only 1 co-worker has ever noticed it without me pointing it out to them. At first, you may have a slight lisp which people may notice. The lower splint "feels" big in your mouth so psychologically you feel like everyone sees it, but most people don't.
g'luck.
loudawg
loudawg
08-13-2007, 10:06 PM
Wanted to give an update since yesterday was my 2 month mark w/ my lower splint and physical therapy. At this moment in time I feel that I've had close to no progress with my condition. There have been a couple stretches of 3 days here and there where I feel things improve (less muscle tension), but in the last 2 weeks I've actually felt worse. I have increased muscle spasm in the upper back and shoulders as well as the head / neck muscles. These spasms cause they typical ear popping / sinus / fullness / dizziness loveliness combo. Physical Therapy helps for the hour that I receive it, but then it's back to the normal spasm. I also have random muscle twitches in my legs (no pain, just little quivers). I'm now on muscle relaxers (4 Soma Compound per day) and that helps alleviate some of the symptoms.
The assistant at my dentists office was surprised that I've felt no relief - she said that by the fourth adjustment most patients are doing well. Emotionally that made me feel worse. While I believe my dentist is sincere and doing his best, he really couldn't offer an explanation for the lack of progress other than "it takes longer for some patients" and that "nocturnal bruxism and clenching may still be keeping the muscles in spasm". He says the splint is very very close to my natural bite.
I've started looking at other alternative treatments such as Cranial Sacral Therapy ($$$) and Cranial Osteopathy. I've done two Cranial Sacral sessions and feel relaxed afterwards, but the next day it's back to normal spasm. I'm also planning to see another GP and TMJ dentist to make sure that I haven't been misdiagnosed. Jeez... it really is starting to become a financial strain - thank the lord for credit!
In the mean time, I limp on at work and at home. Hope all the other splinters are doing well.
Question for Jim1971 - how's the biofeedback? Does that help reduce nighttime clenching / grinding?
-loudawg
The assistant at my dentists office was surprised that I've felt no relief - she said that by the fourth adjustment most patients are doing well. Emotionally that made me feel worse. While I believe my dentist is sincere and doing his best, he really couldn't offer an explanation for the lack of progress other than "it takes longer for some patients" and that "nocturnal bruxism and clenching may still be keeping the muscles in spasm". He says the splint is very very close to my natural bite.
I've started looking at other alternative treatments such as Cranial Sacral Therapy ($$$) and Cranial Osteopathy. I've done two Cranial Sacral sessions and feel relaxed afterwards, but the next day it's back to normal spasm. I'm also planning to see another GP and TMJ dentist to make sure that I haven't been misdiagnosed. Jeez... it really is starting to become a financial strain - thank the lord for credit!
In the mean time, I limp on at work and at home. Hope all the other splinters are doing well.
Question for Jim1971 - how's the biofeedback? Does that help reduce nighttime clenching / grinding?
-loudawg
jim1971
08-14-2007, 09:42 AM
Hey Dawg! My main problem now is an ache in my left tmj that varies from dull to more sore around dinner time - that and the tension headache in my left temporal side. Overall, im a lot better but still have at least one episode usually late in the day - per day.
Biofeedback has helped me be more aware during the day of when i am tensing up. It helps you find the triggers during the day that make you tense up, and how to relax. Its not a 'cure' per say in its own right but it definitely helps. (For me one of my triggers is definitely computer use.)
Last weekend i stumbled onto something that helps me a lot. Most of the time, my sinuses flare up when i have a tension headache coming on. Ive taken a lot of different muscle relaxants and daypro, etc and they dont seem to help much when a tension headache hits. One thing does and i even found it online after i started putting it together. Benadryl. Do a search on the web for Benadryl and tension headaches. :)
Biofeedback has helped me be more aware during the day of when i am tensing up. It helps you find the triggers during the day that make you tense up, and how to relax. Its not a 'cure' per say in its own right but it definitely helps. (For me one of my triggers is definitely computer use.)
Last weekend i stumbled onto something that helps me a lot. Most of the time, my sinuses flare up when i have a tension headache coming on. Ive taken a lot of different muscle relaxants and daypro, etc and they dont seem to help much when a tension headache hits. One thing does and i even found it online after i started putting it together. Benadryl. Do a search on the web for Benadryl and tension headaches. :)
blahblah
08-14-2007, 10:30 AM
Hi -
Just thought I would chime in. I have been in splint therapy since March and though initially felt improvement I have gone back to where I was. Seems to me that in some cases, splint therapy is just not strong enough. I feel like I am wasting time wearing these things when the issue for me is structural. A splint can't alter the structure of my jaw which has already significantly altered my bite to the point where it is causing damage to teeth and impacts my ability to chew properly etc.
I feel a much more radical approach must be taken - so I am seeking yet ANOTHER opinion in NYC.
Just thought I would chime in. I have been in splint therapy since March and though initially felt improvement I have gone back to where I was. Seems to me that in some cases, splint therapy is just not strong enough. I feel like I am wasting time wearing these things when the issue for me is structural. A splint can't alter the structure of my jaw which has already significantly altered my bite to the point where it is causing damage to teeth and impacts my ability to chew properly etc.
I feel a much more radical approach must be taken - so I am seeking yet ANOTHER opinion in NYC.
pipdog
09-18-2007, 10:16 AM
I'm in the third week on splint therapy. Yesterday morning I had the fourth adjustment and man what a change afterwards! I was feeling so 'normal' that I couldn't believe it. I even texted my dentist to share the good news and he was delighted.
But by evening I started feeling pain again, all to be expected says the dentist until such time as the bite reaches its equilibrium.
One thing I noticed really helps is holding ice wrapped in a tissue on the jaw joint for 2O minutes, makes me think that what we're dealing with here is a kind of sports injury, like a sprained ankle.
So the news on my progression is both good and bad but before it was only bad so I'm feeling a good deal more hopefull.
Thanks to everyone who is posting feedback on splints - I can't tell you how important it is not to feel alone dealing with TMD.
But by evening I started feeling pain again, all to be expected says the dentist until such time as the bite reaches its equilibrium.
One thing I noticed really helps is holding ice wrapped in a tissue on the jaw joint for 2O minutes, makes me think that what we're dealing with here is a kind of sports injury, like a sprained ankle.
So the news on my progression is both good and bad but before it was only bad so I'm feeling a good deal more hopefull.
Thanks to everyone who is posting feedback on splints - I can't tell you how important it is not to feel alone dealing with TMD.