Always testing positive? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Merrida · 01-13-2003, 10:39 AM

I've had my chiro and my pcp tell me they've detected TJM based on exam, palpation, as well as subjective symptomatology. But what's frustrating is that it is not consistent. I'll have periods of time where there is no direct or reproducable pain, clicking, popping, etc.... but the ear pain can be intense, it will pop every time I try to eat, I grind my teeth at night, clench my teeth constantly, and I have problems with certain lateral movements...

This jaw problem and resultant ear problems have gotten worse, and then when I went to my last dentist, she gave me this very cursory, abrupt "exam" that amounted to nothing more than her watching me open and close my mouth twice. After that she determined I could not possibly have TMJ, -- note that she (and the dentist before her) also said there was absolutely no connection between dental problems and problems with ears and sinuses...and that the pain I get in my jaws and TM Joint itself, are not, and cannot, be related.

I question this because besides being common sense, I know for a fact there are direct links between what goes on in your mouth, and what goes on in your jaw, your ears, and your sinuses. Her brushing me off so quickly, and my symptoms and pains being unresolved, leave me with even more questions,...not to mention feeling concerned about trying to bring this up to another practitioner after having two dentists tell me there's no connection.

crystalll · 01-13-2003, 11:54 AM

Hi,

I would recommend that you do some research and find a dentist who actually specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. A couple of websites that may help are the following: American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and Dr. Brendan Stack. They both have referral sites.

I know how frustrating it can be to get the brush-off from more than one medical practitioner. I had an oral surgeon do the same type of "exam" that your dentist did. The only difference was that he didn't even look at me when I was opening and closing! The real key is to find someone who has actually been trained in jaw function, as it isn't something that's taught in dental school.

Crystal

Merrida · 01-13-2003, 02:10 PM

So who, or what specialty doctor, is actually "supposed" to be trained in this disorder? All the news reports seem to imply the dentists are the ones we're supposed to go to.

Then they claim there is no such thing as a connection between the mouth and the jaw/ear/sinus/eyes.

So how do they explain the ENT docs profession?

So the ENT docs say it's all dental related.

The dentists, tired at the repeat visit, send you to an oral surgeon.

The oral surgeon says there's no connection,...

...before you know it, they want to send you to a psych doctor...

This is very real,...so why is it that we get such a run around? I sincerely do not understand.

Elaine · 01-13-2003, 04:24 PM

Merrida,
The problem is the "majority" of doctors don't understand TMJD either. That is why so many TMJD patients complain about being passed on to so many different doctors. It gets damned frustrating, especially when you are in the early stages, can get no answers, and you are in pain. Pain leads to frustration, then you get gullible because you are in so much pain. By that time, when an OS suggests surgery, you are willing to try anything for relief. All I can say, is do your research. Surgery is not the answer as most times it has nothing to do with the joint, specifically. Read up on the causes of pain with TMJD, it is mostly nerves and muscles that are affected. Of course a bad bite and all that contributes to it but surgery doesn't correct it either. I have had three surgeries and still looking for answers, along with everybody else. Being passed around is quite common...After, when nothing works, they consider you crazy...After all, how can so many doctors not know what to do for you??? Easier for them to consider you crazy. With this pain, it may very well drive you that way, then the doctors can say they were right all along!

Take care,
Elaine

crystalll · 01-13-2003, 06:01 PM

Merrida,

I honestly don't understand it either. There is no recognized specialty in TMJ dysfunction; there's no one proven method of treating TMJ dysfunction. I can't help but wonder if it has to do with money.

Splint therapy seems to be the best available treatment for TMJ dysfunction at this time. Unfortunately, it's very costly and most insurance companies won't cover it because it's not a guaranteed cure. This is likely the reason why many dentists don't get involved in treating it. It's not economically feasible.
My dentist admits that he got involved in treating TMJ dysfunction purely by accident. He was using the repositioning splint on children in preparation for orthodontic treatment and found that the splint was eliminating other symptoms such as headaches. Now he does lectures on TMJ treatment worldwide...