Some splint therapy progress - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

delilah1963 · 12-17-2004, 09:56 AM

Hello all, it has been a while. I have been now in splint therapy (3rd time doc) for 3 1/2 months. It is a lower acrylic repositioning splint that I wear during the day, including while eating. I also have another that is acrylic and immobilizes by jaw side-to-side and front-to-back for nighttime or resting periods. I am on my 3rd daytime splint with this doctor. The first too far forward, the 2nd too far back, hopefully close to being just right on this one. I travel from my home in South Florida to Tampa to see my specialist once a month...thank goodnes for Southwest Airlines!

My improvement includes reduced, although not eliminated headaches, next to no clicking or popping any longer, and reduced (but still existing) neck pain. I also have neck problems (bulging discs). I attribute my improvement to not only my splint treatment, but the following too:

1. Increased (starting very very very slow) exercise with weights to strengthen neck and upper back. I did not attempt this at all until I rec'd. my first splint, then used very light weights (they look like dog bones!). I now workout w/weight 3-4 times a week and am getting stronger.

2. Hormonal balancing -- I went on the pill after many years due to the spike in pain before and during periods. I am hoping this hormonal leveling out will help the more difficult times.

3. FORCED attention to not clenching. I am not a grinder, never have been, but am a clencher. I am still trying to teach myself not to do it and it is HARD.

4. 5 mg. valium at bedtime. I know the evils of addiction. In addition to my TMJ specialist, I have a very compassionate pain management doctor who understands that a physical dependence on a controlled dose like valium is better than going home at the end of the day and being bedridden, or never making it out of bed in the morning to begin with, and that those who scoff at this, including other practitioners, are probably not in pain.

I feel these steps have all contributed greatly to my improvement. I have a long road to hoe, 3 1/2 months is only the start, but wanted share some ideas that may help others.

Best to your wellness,
Del

Ann123 · 12-17-2004, 11:00 PM

Thanks for sharing, I am curious does #2 seem to be helping with your before/after pain increases?
hoping for your continued successes,
ann

westin4 · 12-18-2004, 09:39 AM

Del,
I am very happy about your treatments being helpful. I hope this is long term relief for you. I guess I am such a skeptic about anything being long term since I have had so many setbacks. Please keep us posted here on your progress.

You are very lucky to have good dr's. I don't know how you fly once a month, I flew recently and thought my jaw would explode from the pressure, I could never do that once a month.

Keep up the good work,
Karen

delilah1963 · 12-21-2004, 06:42 AM

Hi Ann...regarding your question on the pill, I'll let you know in the next two weeks! (I just started my first pack 2 weeks ago) :-)

And Karen, I understand your skepticism over long term relief, I am skeptic about even short term relief. I will keep you posted. For some reason flying doesn't bother me terribly. Most of my symptoms are not ear related, more headache/neck pain/muscle tension. Maybe that's why. Also, the flight is very short -- 30 minutes. I don't even think we reach a complete cruising altitude -- up and down very fast. I just know the wear and tear on me of driving 5 hours each way would be worse...I'd be clenching the entire way. But the flying is definitely worse on the bank account.

Have a decent day and holiday. Del