Q for Allen - Fibromyalgia Message Board

02-05-2001, 03:19 PM

Hi Al, you've posted several times about TMJ, I gather it's one of your worst symptoms. I'm interested in knowing if you've found anything that helps? Or doesn't? My email addy is on my profile in case there are any sites or info. you can pass along, if it's prohibited here you could email it if you get time. I'd certainly appreciate it. Now that the IB is (hopefully) under control, the TMJ has become the most prominent symptom, along with my achy legs. My jaw is so sore that I can't open it all the way and I'm certain that at least some of my head/neck aches are related. Thanks! --Rach

Allen · 02-05-2001, 03:58 PM

Sorry your mouth is a mess: it's no fun. The term TMJ is loosely used for either jaw joint problems or problems with the chewing muscles(my problem). A high percentage of folks with Fibro report facial pain, so there is the theory that TMJ is a localized version of Fibro. I am seeing a specialist in orofacial pain(a dental surgeon with additonal training) and a neurologist. What gets me thru the day until the experts figure me out is Ultram(or Vicodin if the pain is severe). Most people with TMJ are helped more easily: mouth guards or splints, salves, nerve blocks, physical therapy, etc. Probably you will be helped significantly and fairly soon. My case is typical of the 10 to 15% who are called treatment resistant--fixing us up will take longer and involve even more creative approaches.Feel free to e-mail anytime at awpcwp@cs.com God bless, Al

02-05-2001, 04:53 PM

Thanks Al, I'll keep you posted as I go along. The TMJ is one of my earliest symptoms, I had a nite guard as an early teen and was a night grinder. I've gone through three guards, the last one got left on vacation and my boyfriend wouldn't go back for it. When he became my husband he asked why we hadn't gone back the 10 miles for such an expensive appliance......lol! I haven't replaced it since then (10yrs) but I guess now's the time. The pain goes from my neck,through the jaws and wraps around to my temples. I feel it in my eyes and the back of my head and neck. Some days it's much worse than others. I haven't chewed gum in ages and I have trouble with very chewy candy and foods, my jaws tire very easily. I have about 3-4 days a month where I'll wake up with my mouth clenched so tight that I can't open it, it takes me about 15 min to even loosen it up. And it gives me a hell of a "hangover" to deal with!!!

Al, how long ago were you diagnosed?

Rach