curious on your opinions - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Isew4work · 05-20-2003, 11:12 AM

HI, it's me again,
I posted yesterday and did not get a big response to my question and I think it may have been too legntly. So let me try to ask again, more breifly.

Here is my situation: I have already been through the whole exam process at one Doc, even as far as arhtocentesis surgery but have not gotten better, only worse.

So I am considering another doctor who wants to do his own testing, wont regard much of my other testing.

I just don't know if I have the confidence to try another doctor and splint, I wish I could just say to him, "listen, I know I have tmj, now just make the stupid splint for me!"

Advise?
Mary

totallyconfused · 05-20-2003, 11:37 AM

Mary,

If you know you have muscle pains (referred or otherwise) ask for an EMG. This shouldn't be TOO expensive (I had one) and it should show elevated numbers for activity in the muscles when they are supposed to be relaxed. This should be enough to show myalgia at least-which in itself will probably get you a splint. If it's a structural problem then they should listen for popping or do a test where they "listen" to the joints. I had these tests plus an x-ray at my initial consultation and the cost for the consult and all the tests was a little over $400. Could be worse. Unless you have previous tests to take with you, I'm sure the doctor will want to do some of his own testing. It would be a pretty poor doctor who just stuck a splint in your mouth without knowing what the problem was. Different splints can be needed for different cases--muscle problem vs. joint problem, combination or whatever.

Good luck. Let us know what happens.

[This message has been edited by totallyconfused (edited 10-29-2003).]