Splint Progress? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

lucy25 · 11-20-2003, 04:04 PM

Hi All...I am a bit confused with some things, hopefully someone can give me some help here! I have been wearing my upper splint for almost 2 months now and have seen minimal improvements. I was told I will have to wear it for 3 months and then they will decide phase 2 from there. What if I don't feel complete relief from 3 months of splint therapy? Do some people improve with longer wear of the splint? I am getting scared and I feel like my headaches are coming back. Any answers would be appreciated because I am getting really worried and depressed again...
Thank You, Lucy

saaraah · 11-20-2003, 07:56 PM

phase I of splint therapy can last as long as 1 year.. generally, it seems that 4-6 months is the "norm". if you feel that your symptoms are coming back, perhaps you need an adjustment.

additionally, phase II therapy shouldnt be started until the symptoms have been resolved.

- saaraah.

TMJgirl · 11-21-2003, 06:20 PM

Hi:
I have had my splint for 2 months. I notice a remarkable realignment in my face and jaw, but my clogged ear and vertigo are worse for me. My theory is that the jaw is repositioned and I notice my bite is different and the jaw now moves toward the back when I chew and hence pushes the jaw into my ear more! I am going to the NM dentist on Tuesday, for adjustment but I cant imagine why this would be happening. Maybe everything has to settle down, but in the meantime the anxiety is at an all time high! I am getting scared that I will never get better. Do you have ear symptoms and dizziness also?

lucy25 · 11-24-2003, 11:02 AM

Hi TMJgirl...
I know what you mean about your anxieties being out of control right now! The first few weeks I was wearing my splint, I noticed some positive changes, but after my first adjustment I feel like I am getting worse. My worst symptoms are the tightness around my eyes (causing major visual disturbances), constant plugged ears (I have a hard time in loud places, and I can't tell which direction noises are coming from), brainfog, and serious headaches. Because of all of my symptoms, I am so tired all the time! I go for my second adjustment in 2 weeks and I hope he will tell me that this is all a part of the healing process because I am feeling really down lately! Hang in there, you aren't going through this alone!
Lucy

TMJgirl · 11-24-2003, 11:58 AM

Hi Lucy:
I am going to my NM dentist tomorrow for another adjustment. This is crazy. I swear the anxiety is worse then anything. I am going to try some prozac and hope for the best. Ever use any meds for this? I tried zoloft, buspar, and lexapro. All made symptoms worse off. To many side effects. I feel like a freak. My whole body feels wierd from the anxiety. My ears are clogged like you, sounds bounce off the walls and I cant tell where they come from. This freaks me out. The dizzy is the worst. Do you get that too? I feel like I see the world from a fish eye lens. This is horrific, and all I do is cry. Thanks for writting. Bye bye.
Demi