TMJ Headache - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

sunflower22 · 06-23-2004, 04:20 PM

Okay I have headaches in my tempes 24/7, Jaw pain, dizzness, neck and shoulder pain, jaw locks up, jaw pops, pain in front of ears. I also have to cut most of my food up cause it bugs my jaw. I also clench and grind day and night. I have had this for about 7 months now and still no relive. I am still working on getting it fixed. any advice.

beach_tiglet · 06-23-2004, 07:30 PM

Sunflower, what have you done so far? With the exception of the jaw locking, you sound just like me. After MRI, pain meds, muscle relaxers, anti-anxiety meds to no avail, I finally found a neuromuscular dentist who first fitted me with a soft splint/orthotic to cushion between the jaws and ease the muscle tension caused by continual clenching. I was amazed at how quickly this helped the headaches, ear pain, jaw pain. Now that the muscles have started to relax some, I was just fitted to an acrylic (hard) splint that will move the jaw into the correct position (that comes in in 3 weeks). I'm still a newbie at the TMJ stuff, but have had migraines for years (probably TMJ too, but have just started treatment for it). The folks on the TMJ board are really helpful if you start this thread over there, I'm sure they'll jump in with a lot more info than I have available. They're really supportive too. You need to start a thread though, don't just jump in on a thread that's there. I'll try to answer anything you want me to. Hang in there, it does get better. It took some persistance on my part though, I saw my neurologist, ENT and 4 dentists before I found the dentist I'm getting results with and am comfortable with. Take care, Dana

sunflower22 · 06-24-2004, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach_tiglet

Sunflower, what have you done so far? With the exception of the jaw locking, you sound just like me. After MRI, pain meds, muscle relaxers, anti-anxiety meds to no avail, I finally found a neuromuscular dentist who first fitted me with a soft splint/orthotic to cushion between the jaws and ease the muscle tension caused by continual clenching. I was amazed at how quickly this helped the headaches, ear pain, jaw pain. Now that the muscles have started to relax some, I was just fitted to an acrylic (hard) splint that will move the jaw into the correct position (that comes in in 3 weeks). I'm still a newbie at the TMJ stuff, but have had migraines for years (probably TMJ too, but have just started treatment for it). The folks on the TMJ board are really helpful if you start this thread over there, I'm sure they'll jump in with a lot more info than I have available. They're really supportive too. You need to start a thread though, don't just jump in on a thread that's there. I'll try to answer anything you want me to. Hang in there, it does get better. It took some persistance on my part though, I saw my neurologist, ENT and 4 dentists before I found the dentist I'm getting results with and am comfortable with. Take care, Dana

Dana,
I was going to start this on the TMJ board I didn't know if anyone started one yet. For my jaw I eat soft food, exercise some and I try to get a good nights sleep. I have had mirgines before but only for like a day or 2. I never had had pains that last several mouths. I don't know how long I had TMJ. I am hanging in there. I haven't gotten treatment yet still working on it.

beach_tiglet · 06-24-2004, 05:35 PM

Sunflower,
Heat does seem to help me some, and that's something you can do without treatment. That is when it isn't a real migraine, just the jaw and muscles acting up. If it's a migraine, I use ice. There is a thread that lists all of the symptoms of TMJ on the board, but everyone is really nice at giving ideas and asking you questions about your particular symptoms since everyone's are just a little bit different. I would jump on in there. Dana