KNOW ANY TMJ SPECIALISTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

uscoastiewife · 04-22-2003, 05:06 PM

Hi there.Anyone know any good Docs that are expierenced in TMJ in the Southern California area?Preferably one that will try everything else before they shove meds or surgery on me.I saw 6 or 7 before I was even diagnosed.I just kept getting referred.I am getting an appliance made now,but I would love to know if there is a specialist around here to maybe put me on a schedule.(like certain foods,exercise,......)I have constant muscle pain in neck,shoulders,face,and head.It's been constant for at least 9 months.The longer I wait the longer it will take to heal,if at all.It has been constant so long,I have a degree of numbness in my head,neck,face,and shoulders.Physical therapy?Acupuncture works some.Any suggestions?

HRevero · 04-22-2003, 06:02 PM

Hello USCoast,
I to live in CA. I am over in Long Beach. I have been trying to get a good specialist myself. The one that I was refered to by my dentist, does not want to see me anymore because my dentist made my splint. I have a few names but I do not know if they are good. Dr. Fort is in Culver City, and Dr. Blair Ota is in Gardena. Have you heard of these specialist?
Heather

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uscoastiewife · 04-22-2003, 06:46 PM

Hi there!I haven't heard of either.Did they help you any?Can I find them by looking them up?Thanks a lot for your reply.If you have muscle pain in face,neck,shoulders,or head(muscles),please let me know what you usually do.Most people with TMJ get neck and related problems.Thanks again!

HRevero · 04-23-2003, 04:26 PM

USCoast,
I actaully have not seen those two doctors either, but my pt referred be to Dr. Fort, I think I am going to give him a call after my x-rays on Monday. What I have done for treatment is gone to a dentist, a specialist, physical therapy, and also accupressure. I get very BAD headaches. Everyewhere from my middle back and up kills 24/7. My mouth does not open wide at all (it locks). I also have very little mobility on the upper half of me. My pt says that I have no strength what so ever. I have always tried to work out but I always seem to cause me more pain when I do. I use my neck for EVERYTHING, even when I am not realizing it. My pt also says that from my accident at Magic Mountain I might have even got whipblash. I don't know about that since it was over 6 years ago. What have you done for treatment?
Heather

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sunshine123 · 04-23-2003, 04:46 PM

Hi Ladies: My TMJ guy is in San Diego, if it doesn't bother either of you to travel that far. Also, I've gotten great relief from neck pain by weekly massages from an RN. I was going to Acup. for several months and it helped, but I prefer the massage. My neck is much more flexible now. I'll be happy to give you both the contact info for my TMJ guy if you're interested. Or, maybe he could refer you both to someone in your areas. Sue