Hello!!
I'm new to this forum. I was doing searches for TMJ & orafacial pain and saw this site. I need alot of help with my condition. Unfortunetly i live in New Brunswick Canada, where doctors know Jack shi....
Maybe somebody in here can help me! I sure would appreciate any info given!!

I was in a car accident 3 1/2 years ago, i was diagnosed with chronic myofascial neck & back pain, with migraines, visual dizziness, abdominal pain et jaw pain.

The jaw pain is no longer soreness, clicking, popping and grinding; i now have electric shock type pain in the face. i had some on each side of my jaw, on each side of the head, on the top left part of the head and now all around the face. This pain comes with STRESS and with hot temperature. Does anybody else experience this kind of pain?????? PLEASE reply if you know anything about this condition or if you know anyone suffering from this pain

I had most of the same symptoms you had. My jaw problems were on one side. I could push a spot in my temple and the pain would radiate in that side of my face. I also had myofacial pain in my shoulders and neck and the migraines. Turns out I have thoracic outlet syndrome. This tos causes alot of pain in the arms, neck, shoulders, jaw, and migraines. Check out thoracic outlet syndrome and see what you think. You will be amazed at the similarities it has to myofacial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, tmj, the whole bit.

When I was diagnosed with fibro and mps, I accepted it and developed tunnel vision to only those two diagnoses. I learned my lesson. I'm not saying that you or anyone else is doing that, just stating my own experience. You'll find my trials and tribulations here on this board.

I have FMS and TMJ, I experience an electric shock type feeling as you're describing, it is awful. The one thing that has seemed to lessen that feeling the most is Effexor, I take it twice a day (a long with a bucket full of other meds) but when I miss a dose of the Effexor, that electrical sensation comes back, I really hate it. Good luck to you.

PICAS,
I am not familiar with Canada at all, but if you would just post a new thread on this board and ask "AUTUMN ANGEL", and I can guarantee that she will do all she can do to help you.

She may just run across this post, but if not, just post a new thread saying "Attention Autumn Angel".

She to is from Canada and is suffering from TMJ and a bunch more problems. She can put you in the right direction for sure.

I hope this helps.

------------------
DragracerNpain

Pain suxx !

[This message has been edited by DragracerNpain (edited 07-18-2003).]

Hi Picas,
I have been dealing with the same pain you have described. I have been to six differnt doctors and on 11 different medications (none of which worked). I finally got a diagnosis of Chronic Myofascial Pain, but none of the doctors know what to do with me. My pain is in the left side of my face. Stress is also a perpetuating factor for me, among other things that I have not quite figured out yet. Anyhow, my entire left side of my facial region would radiate tremendous pain, causing my face to get very stiff and swollen, as well as my gums and tongue.

I have been miserable. Then I did a little research (and there isn't much to find out there about CMP), but I realized that I should try to massage my face (regradless how much it hurt). Sure enough, the next morning the swelling and stiffness were gone. The horrible pain turned into a dull aching (which is much better). My pain has gone from a 9 to a 4-5, and I am thankful. I hope this helps!

Take care!

[This message has been edited by TashaD (edited 08-21-2003).]

anyone have there teeth hurting becuz of these things/ If so what can I do? I would love any suggestions, good luck to you all,.

Well, my teeth by themselves do not hurt, but my top and bottom gums on the left side swell up, and hurt like crazy.

Hope this helps.

I can relate. I have tmjd, clench & brux, fm etc. The first things that showed up were the other pains (ear, eyes, neck, jaw etc). My current problem is the nocturnal clenching. I already cracked a tooth and some small chips. I think I have been clenching again since at least March. Only when my jaw/cheek swelled and jaw pain did I realize it was the tmj acting up. This is what I do now. Next step is to doctor for a muscle relaxant for this type of thing. Stress compounds everything...

I sleep on a neckroll (no pillows). Benefit is two fold; good neck position, good "loose" jaw position. When awake I make sure the jaw is relaxed (teeth not touching). With swelling, I use ice packs. After swelling subsides I use ice packs (in a tube sock) alternately with heat packs (can put rice in a tube sock and heat it-it relaxes the muscles and is inexpensive)in a tube sock placed against the tempals (right and left) along jaw vertically so that it extends beyond the jawline. Limit opening jaw. Soft foods, small bites, no gum, mild/gentle stretching when you are better, quinine (no sodium tonic water), night guard, chamomile tea, soothing tapes (oceans surf), classic music (slow beat), relaxing colors, soft low watt lighting, limit stimulants like coffee.
I do gentle neck range of motion exercises every day. It helps to keep the neck from cramping/spasming severely. Hope something helps ease your pain.

edited to include: good posture and ergonomics while at the computer is a MUST http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Gemi (edited 08-29-2003).]