Is there any help out there? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

TiffanyAnn · 01-20-2003, 07:41 PM

I have been reading the posts on this webpage for a few days ever since my friend sent me the link. I have been suffering with TMJ for about 23 years now and I have tried repeatedly to get help but to no avail. I have spent countless amounts of money in my quest for help but have been unable to find any and at this point I am extremely frustrated and in alot of pain. I have been reading that many of you are in the same boat I find myself in. I am at the end of my rope in searching for help. Does anyone have any suggestions for me to try.
Thanks,
Tiffany

plymouth · 01-20-2003, 08:38 PM

Try St. John Method Neuromuscular Therapy if you can find a practitioner in your area. There are none near me so I've only had two treatments when I was traveling. The first corrected the rotation and inflare/outflare of my temporal bones and immediately stopped the jumping and popping of my jaw for which dentists and chiropractors had said nothing could be done. The second treated the internal and external tmj muscles greatly reducing the tension and pain. I had more ease of movement opening and closing my jaw. I am looking forward to my next treatment in about six weeks.

~p

P. S. edited to add that I also learned some self-treatment that gets me through when trigger points in the muscles will flare up.

[This message has been edited by plymouth (edited 01-20-2003).]

TiffanyAnn · 01-20-2003, 08:47 PM

Hey, thanks alot for the information. I will certainly check and see if this is available in my area. I tell you it is so frustrating trying to find the help we so badly need.
Thanks,
Tiffany

Cymy Sue · 01-21-2003, 05:09 AM

Hi Tiffany and Welcome,
There are many of us here on the "Long Term TMJD Boat".
Also, all of us have tried different treatments, therapies, and some of us went the surgery route.
You did not elaborate on your situation in regard to what you have tried, so I'll give you a brief summary of my last 25 years.
Orthodontics & splints 77-92
2 Sagittal splits 1988
2 Arthoplastic surgeries 92-97
Several other surgeries to try & correct damage by previous surgeries.
I was told 10 years ago after an arthroplasty that I did not need splint therapy anymore and was told this again 2 months ago, by my former surgeon, he said splint therapy "WOULD NOT HELP ME." He and his Associate, a few months prior, had told me that I was not a candidate for any more surgeries. I am in too much of a mess from the ones I've already had. Both told me my only option was to stay medicated. I was dumped in "Pain Management" 5 years ago. This is not a long term option, as far as I'm concerned. (By the way, these are not just your average Oral-Surgeons. They are the heads of their departments at the largest Univ-Medical Center Complex in my state. One of them is mentioned on several web-sites regarding his research on TMJD. I assume I was one of his experimental subjects.)I listened to this Surgeon for 10 years. Big Mistake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, I have had to come up with more options on my own. This board has helped tremendously.
Splint therapy can help, even with all kinds of irreversible damage. Marlene's posts lead me back to my Dentist, and I have been in a splint for 4 weeks and seeing improvement in headaches, talking better, wider opening, and some of the nerve pain is a little better. I've had no increase in pain or other symtoms.
I also have been going to a Theraputic Massage Therapist, who is trained to work with TMJD patients, for about 3 years. I get incredible relief from her techniques.
I have been on medication for about a year,(low dose pain killer & klonopin) and am about to start tapering off due to the help I've gotten from the splint.
(I have a permanent membership with the "Pain Center", thanks to my former surgeon, but I stay on it a while and then stay off, for as long as I can.)I am very fortunate in respect to medication, I don't like it, I don't get addicted, and can come off pretty quickly.
I did intend to be brief with this, but find that it's hard to give you encouragement with non-invasive and
alternative treatments, without telling you what a mess I am.
I thought for a long time, there was nothing else that could help. I now know that there are other options for some of us.
I hope this helps,
Cymy Sue

[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 01-21-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 01-21-2003).]

crystalll · 01-21-2003, 08:51 AM

Plymouth,

What does St. John Method Neuromuscular Therapy entail? I've started seeing a chiropracter who specializes in Soft Tissue Release. It's a very aggressive form of trigger point therapy, where he presses on the trigger point while stretching the muscle. I'm quite optimistic about it. I was just wondering if this is similar to the therapy you're referring to.

Thanks
Crystal