Treyvanz
05-05-2008, 02:22 PM
I know the popping/clicking sound of the jaw is a symptom of TMJ, but does anyone have any ideas/cures to get rid of this?!
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pipdog
05-09-2008, 03:26 AM
Popping means the disc is dislocated but at some point on opening positions itself where it should be which is on top of the condyle.
The first way to treat this is to reposition the condyle using an appliance worn over the teeth. Normally this means down and forward but can sometimes be inwards as well.
If after say 12 months this hasn't been successful then surgery can be the only way to get the disc back where it should be.
The first way to treat this is to reposition the condyle using an appliance worn over the teeth. Normally this means down and forward but can sometimes be inwards as well.
If after say 12 months this hasn't been successful then surgery can be the only way to get the disc back where it should be.
Rawspice
05-18-2008, 12:10 PM
Popping means the disc is dislocated but at some point on opening positions itself where it should be which is on top of the condyle.
The first way to treat this is to reposition the condyle using an appliance worn over the teeth. Normally this means down and forward but can sometimes be inwards as well.
If after say 12 months this hasn't been successful then surgery can be the only way to get the disc back where it should be.
But I have popping and other sounds when opening and closing, after an x-ray though they said my joint was in place?
I have only had a soft mouthguard. Maybe I need to get an appliance that will reposition my bite, maybe that would help my symptoms. But since they already tell me my joint is in place I'm not sure how to go about getting one.
The first way to treat this is to reposition the condyle using an appliance worn over the teeth. Normally this means down and forward but can sometimes be inwards as well.
If after say 12 months this hasn't been successful then surgery can be the only way to get the disc back where it should be.
But I have popping and other sounds when opening and closing, after an x-ray though they said my joint was in place?
I have only had a soft mouthguard. Maybe I need to get an appliance that will reposition my bite, maybe that would help my symptoms. But since they already tell me my joint is in place I'm not sure how to go about getting one.
Thelma-Louise
05-18-2008, 03:04 PM
I was just wondering if the xrays or films were taken in both the open and closed positions or just one and not the other? Also did the dr use a stethis (sp?) scope in examining you as you opened and closed to listen for the popping/clicking or at least stick his fingers in your ears while you opened and closed to try and feel if displacement is occuring?
pipdog
05-18-2008, 03:55 PM
But I have popping and other sounds when opening and closing, after an x-ray though they said my joint was in place?
I have only had a soft mouthguard. Maybe I need to get an appliance that will reposition my bite, maybe that would help my symptoms. But since they already tell me my joint is in place I'm not sure how to go about getting one.
Its unfortunate but x-rays and MRIs are only as good as the person interpreting them. My first MRI report said I had 'good joint space', the second x-ray said both my condyles were 'posteriorly displaced'. One rules out the other- you can't have both.
As a patient its like we're entering into a game of chance so I went with the second finding and am being treated accordingly
Soft mouthguard sounds like a one size fits all solution.
I think most of us on here have bites that are out of whack and need to get them working back in harmony again.
Best way is to get impressions made of the teeth and get a custom made splint which will create the optimum bite relationship and so calm the overworked jaw muscles and allow the normal functioning of the tmj.
I have a lower Gelb appliance and its stopping my jaw closing in the overclosed way it used to. Its also built up higher on one side because my jaw was not only too far back but also one condyle was higher than the other.
If you feel you're not getting the help where you are being treated at the moment go find somebody who will do a full diagnostic work-up; MRI scans, x-rays, palpating the muscles, examining the teeth for wear patterns etc. Once you know whats going on in there and start a treatment plan you're giving yourself the best chance of certainly stopping the damage and hopefully reversing/healing it.
I have only had a soft mouthguard. Maybe I need to get an appliance that will reposition my bite, maybe that would help my symptoms. But since they already tell me my joint is in place I'm not sure how to go about getting one.
Its unfortunate but x-rays and MRIs are only as good as the person interpreting them. My first MRI report said I had 'good joint space', the second x-ray said both my condyles were 'posteriorly displaced'. One rules out the other- you can't have both.
As a patient its like we're entering into a game of chance so I went with the second finding and am being treated accordingly
Soft mouthguard sounds like a one size fits all solution.
I think most of us on here have bites that are out of whack and need to get them working back in harmony again.
Best way is to get impressions made of the teeth and get a custom made splint which will create the optimum bite relationship and so calm the overworked jaw muscles and allow the normal functioning of the tmj.
I have a lower Gelb appliance and its stopping my jaw closing in the overclosed way it used to. Its also built up higher on one side because my jaw was not only too far back but also one condyle was higher than the other.
If you feel you're not getting the help where you are being treated at the moment go find somebody who will do a full diagnostic work-up; MRI scans, x-rays, palpating the muscles, examining the teeth for wear patterns etc. Once you know whats going on in there and start a treatment plan you're giving yourself the best chance of certainly stopping the damage and hopefully reversing/healing it.
Rawspice
05-22-2008, 01:37 AM
That's interesting about your MRI and X-ray saying totally different things. I just went to the doctors about something else but I did bring up tmj. I said to the doc that people seem to think an MRI is important when diagnosing tmj, and that I would like to have one. He said all you need is an x-ray to see if the jaw is in place etc. I didn't know what to say really so I just said doesn't an MRI show tissue damage. I think he said yes but there is nothing that can be done about that, then he repeated that an MRI isn't needed for tmj. I have had a few x-rays, I get the same result everytime though.
I have had two soft mouthguards, they took impressions of my lower teeth. I don't know if the mouthguard was just meant to stop me grinding or if it was meant to change my bite.:confused: Are mouthgaurds and splints the same thing?:confused: I didn't realise there was so many different types of mouthguards, this is the one area of tmj I'm not clued up on. I don't really understand how a mouthguard is made that can change your bite. I do have a well known tmj book and it say's this about splints, "myofascial pain is by far the most common form of tmj disorder, splints are not required for this type of problem". Who would agree with that? The book also say's "splints are both the best thing and worst thing ever to appear in the tmj field". "Thousands of patients have been helped by their use, unfortunately the potential for serious negative outcome is also very high for splints". "Splints can produce irreversible occlusal and jaw position changes". Everyone agree with that??
I was just wondering if the xrays or films were taken in both the open and closed positions or just one and not the other? Also did the dr use a stethis (sp?) scope in examining you as you opened and closed to listen for the popping/clicking or at least stick his fingers in your ears while you opened and closed to try and feel if displacement is occuring?
All my x-rays were of my mouth 'closed', I had to bite on something. I'm not sure what a stethis (sp) scope is? I don't think he used one because I don't remember him ever using anything. He never put his finger in my ears.
Also Thelma, like I said above I went to the doctors the other day, it was about a mole but I did bring up tmj etc. This doctor said that the bulge in my neck and left shoulder was just my muscle because my jaw has been overworked or something. He said there was nothing that could be done for that other then fixng my jaw problems. I asked him if seeing a chiropracter was worth a try but he said no, he kind of put me off. Do you think a chiropracter is still worth a try Thelma? I have decided to just eat on my good side of my jaw, to see if it helps my neck and shoulder. Thank you both for your help!!:angel:
I have had two soft mouthguards, they took impressions of my lower teeth. I don't know if the mouthguard was just meant to stop me grinding or if it was meant to change my bite.:confused: Are mouthgaurds and splints the same thing?:confused: I didn't realise there was so many different types of mouthguards, this is the one area of tmj I'm not clued up on. I don't really understand how a mouthguard is made that can change your bite. I do have a well known tmj book and it say's this about splints, "myofascial pain is by far the most common form of tmj disorder, splints are not required for this type of problem". Who would agree with that? The book also say's "splints are both the best thing and worst thing ever to appear in the tmj field". "Thousands of patients have been helped by their use, unfortunately the potential for serious negative outcome is also very high for splints". "Splints can produce irreversible occlusal and jaw position changes". Everyone agree with that??
I was just wondering if the xrays or films were taken in both the open and closed positions or just one and not the other? Also did the dr use a stethis (sp?) scope in examining you as you opened and closed to listen for the popping/clicking or at least stick his fingers in your ears while you opened and closed to try and feel if displacement is occuring?
All my x-rays were of my mouth 'closed', I had to bite on something. I'm not sure what a stethis (sp) scope is? I don't think he used one because I don't remember him ever using anything. He never put his finger in my ears.
Also Thelma, like I said above I went to the doctors the other day, it was about a mole but I did bring up tmj etc. This doctor said that the bulge in my neck and left shoulder was just my muscle because my jaw has been overworked or something. He said there was nothing that could be done for that other then fixng my jaw problems. I asked him if seeing a chiropracter was worth a try but he said no, he kind of put me off. Do you think a chiropracter is still worth a try Thelma? I have decided to just eat on my good side of my jaw, to see if it helps my neck and shoulder. Thank you both for your help!!:angel:
Thelma-Louise
05-22-2008, 12:53 PM
"myofascial pain is by far the most common form of tmj disorder, splints are not required for this type of problem". Who would agree with that?
I don't necessarily agree with the above statment.
The book also say's "splints are both the best thing and worst thing ever to appear in the tmj field". "Thousands of patients have been helped by their use, unfortunately the potential for serious negative outcome is also very high for splints". "Splints can produce irreversible occlusal and jaw position changes". Everyone agree with that??
Yes - I do agree with this though - a splint not made to properly correct a problem (assuming the problem has been accurately diagnosed with to begin with) can have disasterous results. I'm not so sure the results are irreversable though - if a splint moved your jaw and teeth in the first place I would think they could be moved them back with different splints and/or braces. But it is possible I am sure that other damage could result that may not be easily corrected.
Mouthguards and splints are not the same and splints come in various designs depending on what they are meant to do.
I know I am not spelling it correctly but a stethis scope or the device MDs use to listen to your heart or breathing is often used to listen for noises when opening or closing your mouth - its ususally placed in temples and underlying jaw areas beneath the ears - it helps the dr hear what may be only slightly audible. Some drs prefer to use their fingers and feel for any popping or clicking since a slight jerky movement with the disc accompanies it. All my tests - MRIs, CT scans, tomograms and ICAT were/are done in both the open and closed position - "open" meaning a bite plate was used to slightly open the jaws and put space between the teeth and "closed" meaning no plate was used and my upper and lower teeth are touching in a "resting" position.
Yes - I do think seeing the right chiro can help - no it will not cure your tmj but the neck and jaw share the same muscles and until you can correct the jaw the neck may be experiencing undo strain (which affects the rest of your body - shoulders,arms,legs, spine, etc) as well adding to your pain and symptoms. It may provide slight relief or more but better than nothing. Although I know this is extreme - my tmj dysfunction has caused tongue pain and control problem which have affected my ability to swallow - yet whenever the chiro adjusts my neck - it feels better for a few days. It returns b/c the jaw position and occlusal problems have not beed corrected but at least it helps keep the muscles from becoming totally hypersensitive and tight and my spasms are less frequent (not gone though) as a result. Medical drs really do not approve of chiros since it is a discipline not based on what is considered standard scientific or medical study or practice. B/c its application had no boundaries or rules - doesn't always work the same on different people, and a lot has to do with the training of the practioner or therapist its often frowned upon by the medical community in general.
I don't necessarily agree with the above statment.
The book also say's "splints are both the best thing and worst thing ever to appear in the tmj field". "Thousands of patients have been helped by their use, unfortunately the potential for serious negative outcome is also very high for splints". "Splints can produce irreversible occlusal and jaw position changes". Everyone agree with that??
Yes - I do agree with this though - a splint not made to properly correct a problem (assuming the problem has been accurately diagnosed with to begin with) can have disasterous results. I'm not so sure the results are irreversable though - if a splint moved your jaw and teeth in the first place I would think they could be moved them back with different splints and/or braces. But it is possible I am sure that other damage could result that may not be easily corrected.
Mouthguards and splints are not the same and splints come in various designs depending on what they are meant to do.
I know I am not spelling it correctly but a stethis scope or the device MDs use to listen to your heart or breathing is often used to listen for noises when opening or closing your mouth - its ususally placed in temples and underlying jaw areas beneath the ears - it helps the dr hear what may be only slightly audible. Some drs prefer to use their fingers and feel for any popping or clicking since a slight jerky movement with the disc accompanies it. All my tests - MRIs, CT scans, tomograms and ICAT were/are done in both the open and closed position - "open" meaning a bite plate was used to slightly open the jaws and put space between the teeth and "closed" meaning no plate was used and my upper and lower teeth are touching in a "resting" position.
Yes - I do think seeing the right chiro can help - no it will not cure your tmj but the neck and jaw share the same muscles and until you can correct the jaw the neck may be experiencing undo strain (which affects the rest of your body - shoulders,arms,legs, spine, etc) as well adding to your pain and symptoms. It may provide slight relief or more but better than nothing. Although I know this is extreme - my tmj dysfunction has caused tongue pain and control problem which have affected my ability to swallow - yet whenever the chiro adjusts my neck - it feels better for a few days. It returns b/c the jaw position and occlusal problems have not beed corrected but at least it helps keep the muscles from becoming totally hypersensitive and tight and my spasms are less frequent (not gone though) as a result. Medical drs really do not approve of chiros since it is a discipline not based on what is considered standard scientific or medical study or practice. B/c its application had no boundaries or rules - doesn't always work the same on different people, and a lot has to do with the training of the practioner or therapist its often frowned upon by the medical community in general.
Rawspice
05-29-2008, 01:48 AM
Mouthguards and splints are not the same and splints come in various designs depending on what they are meant to do.
I know I am not spelling it correctly but a stethis scope or the device MDs use to listen to your heart or breathing is often used to listen for noises when opening or closing your mouth - its ususally placed in temples and underlying jaw areas beneath the ears - it helps the dr hear what may be only slightly audible.
Yes - I do think seeing the right chiro can help - no it will not cure your tmj but the neck and jaw share the same muscles and until you can correct the jaw the neck may be experiencing undo strain (which affects the rest of your body - shoulders,arms,legs, spine, etc) as well adding to your pain and symptoms. It may provide slight relief or more but better than nothing.
Thanks Thelma. I have seen different designs, but when I looked up images of splints some of them looked the same as mouthguards. Some of them still looked soft and plastic. So I'm not sure what the difference is between them and how exactly a splint can change your bite.
I see, well a stethis scope was never used on me, he didn't use fingers either. I presume I had x-rays done with an open bite then because I had to bite down on something. It was only open slightly. Do you get a lot of noises in your jaw now?
But what if the tmj is secondary to something else, can a chiro cure a c-spine problem or something similar? How is a c-spine problem diagonosed anyway?
I know I am not spelling it correctly but a stethis scope or the device MDs use to listen to your heart or breathing is often used to listen for noises when opening or closing your mouth - its ususally placed in temples and underlying jaw areas beneath the ears - it helps the dr hear what may be only slightly audible.
Yes - I do think seeing the right chiro can help - no it will not cure your tmj but the neck and jaw share the same muscles and until you can correct the jaw the neck may be experiencing undo strain (which affects the rest of your body - shoulders,arms,legs, spine, etc) as well adding to your pain and symptoms. It may provide slight relief or more but better than nothing.
Thanks Thelma. I have seen different designs, but when I looked up images of splints some of them looked the same as mouthguards. Some of them still looked soft and plastic. So I'm not sure what the difference is between them and how exactly a splint can change your bite.
I see, well a stethis scope was never used on me, he didn't use fingers either. I presume I had x-rays done with an open bite then because I had to bite down on something. It was only open slightly. Do you get a lot of noises in your jaw now?
But what if the tmj is secondary to something else, can a chiro cure a c-spine problem or something similar? How is a c-spine problem diagonosed anyway?