Have Had NM Splint 1 Month * Zero Luck So Far - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

looney · 11-23-2003, 08:30 AM

Dear Group,

I've been wearing my NM splint for one month now, and I have had little improvement at all. My TMJ is very much a muscular problem, and it seems that all the muscles in my whole head, neck and shoulders are in complete nonstop spasm. Nothing seems to give me any lasting relief. I've been in physical therapy for two months, and no help yet. I also use moist heat and ice periodically, which help the neck but not the tension type headache.

Guys, I'm a step away from being flat on my back in bed with all this horrid muscle spasm. I can't even lift a pitcher of Kool*Ade because my arm muscles just won't do the work any more they are so overexhausted.

I just wonder if there is something wrong with the way my splint is made, but how would I know? It is a lower NM repositioning splint. I clench and grind my teeth and have an overbite. The splint seems thicker toward the front than in the back, and I've wondered if this is correct for a grinder like me. Shouldn't it be thicker toward the back to help with the night grinding and clenching?

I am just beside myself. I thought this splint would help so much, and I'm still practically bedridden with the neck and head spasms. My temples actually seem tighter than before I had the splint. I do notice that I'm able to eat better than before I had the splint, but that's about it for improvement.

Maybe it's too early yet. Should I be concerned, and what options do I have here?

All your help and responses to my previous posts have been much appreciated.

Thanks,

Looney

TMJgirl · 11-23-2003, 10:33 AM

Looney:
I have had my spling for about 2 months. I am worse off now then before, except my jaw looks more aligned. The way it is explained to me, there are major structural changes taking place in the skull where there is numerous nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. I too have what you suffer and my ears are clogged beyond clog! I have vertigo too. Do you? It is making me have extreme panic attacks every single day now, and I feel like I am going off the deep end with this. I tend to hyperventalate alot and that gives me alot of other wierdo feelings in my body. This is a vicsous cycle and I too cannot make it stop. The inside of my head feels like it is swollen or caving in or something really wierd is going on. I noticed that when I chew, my bite is so different that my jaw seems to be forced back into my head more. I think that is pushing the structures into the ear further as I was told the joint lyes about 3 mm from the inner ear and pretty much sits in the middle ear. I think you may have anxiety too like me. It exasperates the sypmtoms and the muscles are tense without you even knowing it. I woke this morning with my neck muscle so tense, I couldnt believe it. There is nothing to be paniced about right now in my life either, except this living Hell. I get pins and needles in my arms and legs and about my face with this hyperventalation stuff and yesterday a shrink gave me prozac to take and I have to still fill the prescription. Are you on anything for this? I truly believe that you have an anxiety disorder along with the TMJ. It is only natural if we feel so lousy daily. I shake and get scared to death every day because of the way I feel. I hate this. It is unatural. I am with you.....I feel your pain.

kami-girl · 11-23-2003, 11:37 AM

Hi Looney,

I have had my nm splint for close to 5 mos now and every time I get a adjustment I seem to get more symptoms. For the first while I had severe ringing in my ears but that has settled, the headaches have lessened, however my actual jaw joints are really sore, I have trouble chewing, ears are still clogged, dizziness still here, anxiety too. For me, I have found that the muscle spasm in my neck and head have increased alot. Like you I have tried physio and still nothing. I asked the nm dentist about this and he said that the splint is moving things around, adjusting the muscles in the face which is also affecting the rest of the muscles such as the neck and that I need treatment on the neck muscles as well. I am going to try a massage therapist this week who does trigger point massage.
TMJgirl,
Sounds like you are still in misery. So sorry to hear that. How do you manage to get through your days with the anxiety etc. I have my meds but still have problems being alone. I don't know why but I just feel so insecure. I feel like if my ear symptoms would go away then the dizziness would follow and along with it the anxiety. I can handle the pain but the dizzies are the worst.

Take care,

Grace

TMJgirl · 11-23-2003, 02:48 PM

Grace:
I know what you mean about the dizzys. They are the worst. You sound like you have the exact symptoms as I. The clogged ears and the dizzy is the worst of all. The anxiety just boosts it into a different perspective of symptoms. I am going to try prozac this week. I see the NM dentist on Tues. and my chiro tomorrow (monday). I saw him on Friday and we had a long talk about this and he said the same as you that structures are being moved around and the muscles and nerves are being changed around. To me, this sounds good, looks good in the face, but feels horrific. I cope by working out in a gym 5 days a week. I think they all think I am nuts for I am there so much, but I lift free weights and go to town there. Meanwhile, the morning is the worst. All I have to do is rise from my bed and there it is. The anxiety begins, the clogged ears then the vertigo. I am sorry that we feel like this every day of our lives. I wonder if there is a light at the end of the tunnel for us.....I look forward to hearing you and the rest of the folks here on the board. It really helps me alot.........God Bless!