I had forgot to mention in my x-ray post that the specialist said I also have arthritis. I am almost 27 years old how can this be? My pt said that it is probably a small amount but does this mean it gets worse as I get older? I don't know much about arthritis except that it can really hurt. How can I tell when it is arthritis and when it is tmj? How can you get it from having tmj?
Heather
Joint cartilage has sponge-like qualities. If the joint is not compressed sufficiently, waste products will not be removed from around the cartilage cells. When the cartilage has not been compacted, it cannot later expand, drawing nutrients into itself. Cartilage has no direct blood supply, therefore it must rely on alternate periods of expansion and compression to properly nourish and remove waste products from its component cells. Without this expansion and compression, the net effect is an eventual breakdown and degeneration in the cartilage. The body will lay down bone and begin the arthritic process. If you are a chronic clencher or grinder, the cartilage may never be able to swell and expand, and the cells within the cartilage may be damaged due to a lack of nutrition.
(A little "technical" I know, but hope this gives you an idea of the TMJ/arthritis relationship.)
I was told when I was about your age that my joints were arthritic. They told me that when the joint dysfunctions for any reason, bad disc, out of line, bad bite, etc. It causes a little arthritis.
That's been about 24 years ago and the arthritis has not progressed a whole lot. I still have "a lttle arthritis", but I don't believe it's been a source of pain compared to muscle related problems and all the other "stuff" my joints have been exposed to. As long as it's not Rheumatoid, getting the joints funtioning better or "as normal as possible", should slow or stop the progression.
I did not understand your question about growing new disc. I may have missed some of your posts. If you don't mind, would you post what your Doctor is going to do and what he is telling you the outcome will be.
Hey Cymy Sue,
I listed a lot of what my doctor said in got x-rays.
He did say that since both of my disks are dislocated forward those disks will not get better. He did say though if I stop clenching then I can actually grow a new one in the original spot. If you can please read my other post and give me your input on the whole situation I would very much appreciate it. I am kind of in a catch 22.
Thank you,
Heather
Grow another disc ? I don't think so. What can happen is that when your jaw becomes relaxed in a new position, it can become stable enough not to need discs but they do not regenerate.
I'm at a loss for words here and that does not happen very often. I read your other post. I don't believe you've been given correct or complete information.
Pinky's right, disc do not regenerate. If they did, there would be thousands of us "Healed" of TMJD.
If the disc completely degenerates or deteriorates out of the joint capsule, scar tissue might form & provide somewhat of a cushion where the disc was. I've never heard of a Doctor telling anyone this is an absolute with dislocated disc.
This is what they theorize will happen with discectomies. This is with surgical removal or the diseased tissue and it's not a definite, it does happen in the majority of cases.
Also, according to where the disc are, all kinds of pain & problems can occur. I have seen one member post that they are living with a disc out of the joint and managing without some type of intervention.
Everything else I see reported here is either the disc are recaptured with splint therapy, the disc are surgically reattached or surgically removed.
You can live without disc, I have for almost 6 years. I had to have my originals out in 92 due to deterioration and had auricular cartilage replacements. The replacements started to deteriorate after a couple of years and they were removed in 97.
I'm not sure this reply will help you much. There is no such thing as disc regeneration and I would love to meet this Doctor face to face and ask him where he picked up this information.
Good luck to you,
Cymy Sue
[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 05-19-2003).]
I didn't have an MRI done initially. I had Tomograms, Panoramic Xrays, and Transcranial Xrays. These were repeated and showed the discs were back in place.
Thank goodness I found another specialist who will see me tomorrow. I am bringing my x-rays and also my splint. I keep hearing about a written report when x-rays are done. Is this usually the case? Of course in my case there was not a written report.
I am so glad that you responded Cymy, because I was pretty confused about that also. What do you think about the hypnosis idea? This can't be one of my ONLY options can it? Have you ever tried it?
Heather
Thank goodness I found another specialist who will see me tomorrow. I am bringing my x-rays and also my splint. I keep hearing about a written report when x-rays are done. Is this usually the case? Of course in my case there was not a written report.
I am so glad that you responded Cymy, because I was pretty confused about that also. What do you think about the hypnosis idea? This can't be one of my ONLY options can it? Have you ever tried it?
Heather
I'm not sure hypnosis is your only option, it's probably worth a try.
I've never tried it, but considered it when my Tinnitis was at it's worst.
I know a few people who have tried it with other problems with mixed results.
I believe success would depend on the hypnotist and how receptive you are to suggestion.
I am very receptive to suggestion. I've used progressive relaxation tapes for pain for many years.
I also bought a set of tapes made by a Hypnotist for Tinnitis, TMJD & Stress. They seemed to help some.
In using tapes, I think you get into a form of Self-hypnosis and it takes practice to clear your mind completely and let the speakers words take over.
I had the best results with the progressive relaxation tapes designed for chronic pain. After a few weeks, I had improvement with many problems, all related to stress.
I believe if listening to "suggestions" on tapes (on a regemented schedule) helps with anxiety, stress,and muscle relaxation, a Hypnosis Program, could possibly work.
Let us know if you try it and if it works,
Cymy Sue
Arthritis 
