TMJ symptoms on both sides? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

TamE · 08-22-2003, 04:51 PM

Do you all of you have tmj symptoms on one side only, or has it affected both sides for any of you? Mine initially started on the left side and all of my symptoms were confined to that side, but I'm starting to notice pain on my right side as well and some noise in my joint. I have been careful when chewing to avoid using my left side and I wonder if that is causing my right side to have problems now.

saaraah · 08-24-2003, 08:45 PM

i can identify with your symptoms.. when i first started to have symptoms, the pain was primarily on the left side. however, over the past year, the pain has been really concentrated on the right side - also, it's not just muscular anymore, pain is centered on the joint as well. altho, i must say that my main problem is muscular pain.

my theory is that the dysfunction starts on one side, so the other side may overcompensate. over time, the overcompensating side starts to hurt.. i dont know if that's correct or what.

- saaraah.

[This message has been edited by saaraah (edited 08-24-2003).]

Sharbear · 08-24-2003, 10:01 PM

Tam,
When I first began to have problems I noticed it more on one side. Then suddently like you I started to notice the other side. Sometimes they would both hurt at the same time, other times one side at a time. It could be possible that the other side is having problems now because you have "babied" the side that hurts you. Are you getting any help with splints or anything at all?
Good luck to you.
Sharri

TamE · 08-25-2003, 03:49 PM

Thanks for your posts. I go for my first visit with the orthodonist on Thursday. I've had several dr. visits before this. So I'm hoping if I receive a splint it will help. Do they normally do the impressions on your first visit or do you have to wait even longer to get relief?