Weather related problems - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

MSUGuy02 · 06-22-2004, 09:10 PM

Hi Everyone,

I remember reading previous posts about weather causing problems or shall I say, increasing current tmj problems.

My problem is not only my tmj's, but I have metal plates all in my upper/lower jaw and chin and when it gets cold and/or hot, I get shooting pains not only in my joints, but around the metal plates. Does anyone have a remedy for this?

Also - my specialist told me that nobody with TMJ should EVER use heat around their joints.

I found this intriguing. Has anyone else heard of not using heat?

Thanks once again for the awesome support/advice!
Andy

Cymy Sue · 06-23-2004, 07:58 AM

Andy,
I don't know a remedy. I do know what you're talking about. The stainless steel wires that are in my mandible and chin get cold during cold weather and cause some discomfort. I would imagine plates would cause much more.

Heat (direct sun, really hot temperatures) normally affects the damaged nerves in my face and will cause a little burning flare.

Some of it for you could be the plates are foreign bodies and the nerves around them are still extremely sensitive to changes. It should decrease with time.

The only time I've ever been told not to use heat is, if there is suspected infection, inflammation or if you know you have swelling.

I've been told to use heat otherwise. I can't use cold packs directly over where my joints would be. It causes/caused worse pain.

I would ask the specialist why heat is not a good idea.

Cymy Sue

delilah1963 · 06-23-2004, 09:00 AM

I use both ice and heat.

One specialist told me to use heat, then "flash" it with ice for a minute at the end. I have no idea why.

Both work well for me to reduce my discomfort. I usually go with what is appealing. I live in South Florida so in the summer (6 mos. of hot hot hot) I tend to use ice more, but always use heat once a day too.

Sorry, I can't contribute regarding the weather change discomfort. It wouldn't surprise me. Folks have been griping for centuries about their joints flaring up when weather kicks in. TM Joints and metal plates? I would imagine you do feel it...a lot.

Take care and best to you,
Del.