something that helped my TMJ - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Flap · 11-29-2003, 08:36 PM

Hello, I am new here, but I hope my personal experience helps someone.
I have a big head, and also heartburn when I sleep. I was told to raise my headboard 4-6 inches so my stomach contents would tend to stay down.
After awhile I started getting TMJ, with a swollen jaw and knife like pains. Constant pain.
I came back from vacation and noticed my TMJ had greatly deminished but it started up almost the next day.
I lowered my bed back to flat, got rid of my extra pillow and am not suffering any more.
I think my head would roll to one side while I slept and pinch a nerve.
I hope this may help at least one person.... Flap

Isobelj · 11-30-2003, 01:11 PM

Thanks for posting this. It's interesting and confirming to read, because I was on verge of getting a new and fatter pillow as I thought it would help my aches and pains, however the maxillo facial surgeon I'm now seeing asked in my first app. what kind of pillow I use and how I sleep, he said too a thin pillow is best, partic. if you sleep with your jaw on the pillow as I do and not on your back.

Isobel

wadexyz · 11-30-2003, 06:50 PM

Interesting. I also have raised my bed a few inches. I didn't think this could possibly effect TMJ, but who knows. The fat pillow, I can see why that would be a problem. But from a theoretical point of view, why would having your bed on a slight angle make any difference?

Thanks for the post.

Flap · 11-30-2003, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wadexyz

Interesting. I also have raised my bed a few inches. I didn't think this could possibly effect TMJ, but who knows. The fat pillow, I can see why that would be a problem. But from a theoretical point of view, why would having your bed on a slight angle make any difference?

Thanks for the post.

Under the left side of my jaw, where the pain was, I can manipulate a small lump. I've saw several doctors and dentists and one said it might be a submandibular nerve center. This makes sense because everytime I push on it it bothers me later. Anyway I hope you all find relief from what ever treatment works....Flap

Flap · 11-30-2003, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flap

Under the left side of my jaw, where the pain was, I can manipulate a small lump. I've saw several doctors and dentists and one said it might be a submandibular nerve center. This makes sense because everytime I push on it it bothers me later. Anyway I hope you all find relief from what ever treatment works....Flap

I just wanted to add where this small lump is. If you feel your jaw bone under your ear, where it curves, and go about I/3 the distance to your chin you should find a little v shaped indentation in the bone. The lump I feel is under my chin (but definitely out as an abscess) and I think it pushes against the jaw bone if my head is crooked. The right side of my jaw has the same lump but is harder to reach as it is higher under the jaw.
I suffered constantly for a year but finally found relief.