My condyle is displaced... - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

JanisYang · 11-26-2003, 05:06 AM

Hi all,

Both of my discs are in place according to my MRI reading, but I have had pain in the tm joint on my right side for about a year. My oral surgeon explained to me that the condylar head on my right side might be displaced backwards, compressing the nerves and causing me pain. Is there anyone whose jaws are in the same situation? And is there a treatment for the displaced condyle other than splints? I've tried three different splints already. thanks

saaraah · 11-26-2003, 06:21 AM

does that mean that the condyle is too close to the fossa - there isnt the proper distance between them? if that's what you mean, that's what's wrong my joints, too. my condyles are too close to the fossa, so im wearing an anterior repositioning splint, which is pulling my mandible down and forward. the idea is to decompress the joint, so that my discs have the opportunity to be recaptured.

since you dont have displaced discs, i imagine that's great! i'd check out some doctors who make repositioning splints; it sounds like that's your problem.

btw, do you have an overbite?

- saaraah.

JanisYang · 11-27-2003, 08:59 PM

Saaraah,

Thank you for replying.
Yes, my doctor explained to me that nothing seemed wrong with my joints except there isn't enough space between the condyle and the fossa. And I have an anterior open bite of 2mm, which I guess my joint space has narrowed as much. About a year ago, I noticed my jaw had been going backwards, giving me an openbite, and then I had started to have tmj symptoms.

Have you had your discs displaced recently? I heard that if one's dicss are displaced recently, a doctor could recapture them performing some manuver.

saaraah · 11-28-2003, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JanisYang

Saaraah,
Have you had your discs displaced recently? I heard that if one's dicss are displaced recently, a doctor could recapture them performing some manuver.

my discs have been displaced for at least 4 years; that's when i had my last MRI which showed them. however, i believe they've been displaced longer than that.. at least, to varying degrees.

im not sure of what type of manuever could be done to recapture them other than with splint therapy.

- saaraah.

Navy1990 · 11-28-2003, 07:30 AM

Hi!

I'm not aware of anything they can do manually to put a disc in place. I know chiropractors have claimed they can do something, but, it never worked for me.

Saaraah-

How are you doing these days? Sounds like you are making progress. Your opening increased? That's a step in the right direction.

I wound up having trigger point injections and my opening went from about 46mm to 52.5 mm. I was in soooo much pain after the injections, I thought I was going to pass out that night. Things have settled down, but, now my joint just burns periodically. The doctor said it's muscle. He's concerned about my lack of estrogen because of the hysterectomy 18 months ago....it might be related to the pain and muscle spasms. Apparently it is all related somehow. I really got run down the past 6 months. I was not drinking enough water which can dehydrate the muscles and make them hurt and spasm. So, I'm trying to take better care of myself. I think we get into a pain mode and tend to not eat or drink much. That's what happened to me. So, today I started taking all the supplements and drinking water. I just want the burning to go away. Apparently it might be lactic acid that has built up and the water will flush it out. Anyway, Saaraah, I am so happy that your splint treatment is working out for you.

Take care!
Navy