TMJ.....I'm only 15!!!

[littlebrace]

Hey everyone. I am only 15 and sufferring from TMJ. That just doesn't seem right, but it's true. I was diagnosed with it in July. I have been having a hard time dealing with it and I read how people have had it for years. I hope I don't have it that long. Everyday I have pain. When I first developed the pain, I went to see my orthodontist. He referred me to an oral surgeon and physical therapy. My physical therapist tells me I clench a lot, but I have NEVER ONCE noticed myself clenching, seriously never. I got an MRI though and it showed the disks were good, so I guess I must be clenching. Well, I am finally getting a splint October 4. I will wear it on the upper teeth and at night. However, my oral surgeon said also to wear it whenever I feel I need to. I have to wear it for 4-6 months and I have braces so they can't tightened my braces until I get it off.
When I first got TMJ I had a locked jaw and when I did open as much as I could it opened to the side. Now it opens straight, but it still doesn't open as much as it used to.
I had to quit cheerleading this year because I can't handle doing that right now with all his going on. This TMJ is ruining my life. Why does it have to happen to me? I never thought it would be this big of deal. Although, my orthodontist and my oral surgeon have been great. I am glad those are the doctors I go to for this because I think they are doing a good job and they are really sweet too. However, I don't like my physical therapist, she is so annoying. And I have to go until I am not in pain anymore, so I really hope that isn't too long.

[MikeV]

So many young people in America seem to spend their teens with braces. I cannot but help thin that this is causing all of the tmjd problems people are having.

Seems to me that when you hit your teens in the States someone inserts half a kilo of metal in your mouth becuase your teeth might not be perfect!

I am sorry you are suffering though - for someone so young. I think the orthodontic craze in the States ought to stop now really.

[paintitbetter]

Unfortunately, theirs a ton of money in Orthodontics.

[crystalll]

Hi littlebrace,

It's good news that your discs are good. That probably means that your problem is mostly muscular. You're young, and it seems like you have good doctors. If you follow their advice and commit to the splint therapy you'll have a good chance at recovery.

Best of luck.

Crystal

[sppamantha]

If your discs are good, it may not need any surgeries, which is good. My oral surgeon told me tmj is a young person's disease. I am only 21 and have had 5 surgeries.