Arthritis - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

HRevero · 05-17-2003, 09:24 AM

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

Marlene · 05-17-2003, 09:40 PM

Hi 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.)

Marlene

Stacie212 · 05-18-2003, 01:15 AM

My doctor said he saw arthritis on my MRI. I have constant swelling and inflamation in my joint. Is that caused by arthritis?

HRevero · 05-18-2003, 10:38 AM

Thanks Marlene this makes sense! Do you know if I do form a new disk like the specialist said if the Arthritis will eventually go away?
Heather

Cymy Sue · 05-19-2003, 05:54 AM

Heather,

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.

Cymy Sue