First winter since dx of TMJ - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Jill J · 01-23-2003, 06:05 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have a strange question but hoping some of you have an answer. I was diagnosed with TMJ in August 2002 so this is my first winter. The temps here in NJ are windchills below zero the past few days and I notice that any time I'm in the cold the right side of my face where all my problems are goes into spasms. Has anyone else have this happen? BTW I only use heat treatments on my jaw.

thanks, Jill

temo · 01-24-2003, 01:57 PM

Hi Jill,

I had terrible TMJ problems a few years back. At that time, even with all the symptoms, I was never affected by the conditions outside. Now, since the return of my TMJ problems, I noticed that when i am walking in to work, or out somewhere in the cold, the sides of my face (jaw) start to throb. I can't figure it out. I'm thinking maybe it's because when it is cold out, people tend to bring their shoulders up, or kind of tense up in order to resist the cold. It's almost like creating more stress in a roundabout way. Well, just my opinion, but wanted to let you know, I experience similar pain. Good Luck! I'm in Central Jersey, so I hear you about the cold!!

cfreund · 01-25-2003, 08:12 AM

I am definitely affected by the cold! It sends me into spasms and makes the pain unbearable. If I get so cold that I have to shiver I almost can pass out from the pain. My jaw does NOT want to shiver, I can tell you that. I live in the mountains of Idaho and we have long, cold winters. I just have to stay out of the cold and wind and keep my head wrapped up in a big fleece scarf. I look like an alien at times, but it works!! Good luck.
Carole

Jill J · 01-25-2003, 03:00 PM

Thanks everyone.......I too think mine is muscle not joint. I had a cavity refilled end of July and my problems startd in the beginning of August........the same side that the filling is in. I have an appointment with a different dentist to see if this is what is causing all my problems. My mother was starting to have problems went to this new dentist who discovered that a cap she had put in was not right and threw her bite way off. Can't believe it took ME this long to figure it all out!! I see my TMJ guy this Friday and will mention it to him....I would've thought he could've figured this all out back in Sept when I started seeing him, but then again......he wouldn't be making all this money off of me!!

Will keep you all posted............Jill

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 01-26-2003).]

Cymy Sue · 01-26-2003, 01:39 AM

Hi Jill,
I was told years ago that the cold hurts because the joints are right under the skin. There's not much of a fat layer (or none in many) to protect them. We're having an unusally cold spell here this year and everytime I go out, I get an awful and different kind of achy pain and then it turns into a real bad headache. Also, the humidity and rainy weather causes more discomfort.
I don't think your question is strange at all. I think it's quite common for "weather" to affect our joints.

Cymy Sue