windymoon

I know no one hardly ever come back after they feel better, but I wanted to give a update on my TMJ. Last October I was chewing and heard a crushing sound in my left jaw. Just One month after a root canal & three days after receiving my crown. The stress of the dental work and years of cinching and grinding at night finally took it toll. MRI showed I had a bad misalignment, all I knew I was in horrible pain and couldn't open my mouth. Four months wearing my splint 24/7 still left my jaw muscles weak but kept my jaw in correct alignment so it could heal. The hinge part of my jaw still did not work (it was locked). I even endear several painful needles into my jaw just so the Doctor could unlock it,( I could open it but the hinge did not work) . My jaw was healing but I still was left with weak and painful muscles after talking or eating. It got so bad I didn't have the strength to even chew noodles. I kept thinking of the old saying "used it or lose it". So I made a decision one day to stop wearing my splint 27/7 and start chewing and talking more. But baby steps was the key> it worked for me, my jaw is feeling better, the joint is moving between 50-75% and pain is almost gone. Once in awhile I wear my splint doing the day and I always wear it at night. I know this is not the right thing to do for everyone I just wanted to share what is working for me. It felt like I was just babying my jaw to much. I started chewing meat any regular food in very small potions and as soon as it hurt I stopped. I hope everyone start feeling better soon, I know how bad TMJ can be. ~C