Hi there!My muscles are my main TMJ problem.Are there different treatments for TMJ if your muscles are the problem,not the joints.Although my jaw is out of allignment,my joints were fine in the x rays.I have severe face,head,neck,and shoulder muscle problems.Thanks for any reply!
As I understand it, if your problem is only muscular, then you would only require a splint to prevent clenching and/or grinding, not the type of splint used to re position the jaw joint - an anterior repositioning splint. Although I do believe some others on this board are using a new type of splint called a neuromuscular splint, which is specifically designed for you to move the muscles back in to the position they are most relaxed in. I like the sound of this therapy but don't know where to find it in England. I am awaiting the fitting of a splint merely to stop clenching from the dental hospital and am now on muscle relaxants. Physical therapy could also go a long way to helping you. I would also recommend 'The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies, which teaches you how to massage the trigger points yourself.
Hi there!Thank you.I do wear a splint,but I'm not sure what type.My jaw nedes to be repositioned.(I believe)I don't know where my natural resting position is.The splint helps me to rest my teeth togrther correctly.
My problems are the same as yours. I am getting a neuromuscular (lower) splint. My jaw needs to be moved forward, bc the lower jaw if too far back and is pushing on the muscles in my neck (SCM) and causing the muscular pain throughout my body. Or so they say. I had my initial exam and tomograms done. Going for consultation one day this week and then will get the splint, I hope!
my tmj specialist says that my problem is only in my muscles as it seems that my jaw structure is fine--i've tried trigger point injections and they really help, but only for alittle while. my pain seems to be getting worse though. bextra, an anitinflammatory was prescirbed for me and helps some, again for a while. if i learn anymore i will post it. they say the main things to do are wear a bite block and ? DECREASE STRESS? sure!! as soon as i win the lottery!!!
That's exactly what I say.Relieve stress?Sure!When I win the Lottery.We are a military family,and they don't make much!That is so true.It seems impossible to get rid of everyday stress.
I've got a question. I'm starting to think my bite problems are TMJ related and like UScoastie, muscles only. For those of you with splints, etc. - who made them for you - a TMJ expert or a regular dentist? Also, what is the difference between a mouthguard/ nightguard and a splint?
Three dentists have make me nightguards so that I don't grind my teeth, an action that was set off by having 2 fillings done 18 months ago. These fillings also threw my bite completely off and nobody has been able to get it back to normal. The mouthguards seem mostly to emphasize the bad bite and put pressure on some of my teeth, causing pressure on my gums. In the morning some of my teeth and areas of my gums are always sore. I'm currently trying to find a good dentist (not an easy task) and hope to have a good mouthguard made as soon as possible.
Any comments or tips would be greatly appreciated.
TMJ muscle vs. joint problems 
