My Problem - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

SRH_NL · 05-18-2003, 02:31 PM

Hey, board:

I have a problem, and I 'm not sure if it's going to escalate into something serious or not. Since childhood I've always had the ability to 'pop' my jaw, like one would perhaps pop their knuckles. Little did I know I was screwing up my jaw joints. After doing it a number of times, I've been experiencing slight symptoms of a tmj problem.

I haven't experienced any severe pain so far. All I've been experiencing is the 'cracking' sound of the jaw joints, ear stuffiness and muscle twitches.

I'm wondering if it is inevitable that this will get worse. The jaw doesn't normally 'crack' if I normally open my mouth. It only happens if I open it so far or if I move it in an abnormal direction. I've seen a local dentist who has an interest in tmj and he just said for me to take precautions. There's no specialist where I live (St. John's Newfoundland).

Like I said, no pain so far except for the slight headache and muscle twitching. Is it inevitable that this will get worse?

Thanks for any advice.

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Sheldon

sandra1 · 05-18-2003, 05:41 PM

Hi Sheldon,

I am from Halifax. I am sorry I can't help you in regard to your jaw problems...but the only thing I can say to you is that if your jaw starts to give you some discomfort or pain anywhere...that's the time to get help for it. But if I were you, just don't do anything that will make your situation worse. Maybe somebody else on the board will help you...who has some similar problems like yours. I am just curious...you said there is no specalist in your area? Most orthodontic dentists in Canada have some training in TMJD. What kind of dentist have you seen recently in your town?

Sandi

SRH_NL · 05-18-2003, 07:28 PM

Sandi:

Thanks for your reply. I've seen a dentist who has an interest in TMJ but isn't a specialist. I'm moving to Hamilton Ontario in September to begin my Phd in philosophy, so if things get worse I'll see someone up there. I'm really concerned (or paranoid) about this getting worse, and I'll be sure to get help if things get worse.

Thanks for the response.