Throbbing pain right in front of ears - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

mommy2Jade · 12-17-2004, 09:53 PM

Hello, I'm new here so just trying to get used to the message board. I have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder. I have had it for over 3 years now and I'm about to go insane. I have throbbing pain on both sides of my face, right in front of my ears. It has gotten to the point now where I can't open my mouth more than 1/2 of an inch at times.
It all started 2 weeks before I gave birth to my daughter. I noticed that my teeth were not touching in the right places. Everyone laughed at me (even the nurses at the hospital), thinking I was making a big deal out of something so little, but I knew better. I wear a mouthpiece every night to try to minimize the pain. I wake up sometimes with my jaw so clenched to the mouthpiece, I feel like I am going to crack my teeth. I am a single parent so I know that stress isn't helping it much, but there is no way around it. Does anyone have any cheap effective ideas on how to minimize, not just the pain, but also the severe tension that keeps the jaw clenched so tightly? Any advice at this point in time is like gold to me... I have not been able to express how painful and how serious this is with anyone else I know because they have not suffered through it. Thanks for your time!!! ~Jill~

Ann123 · 12-17-2004, 10:50 PM

hi mommy2jade,

is a dentist monitoring the use of your mouthpiece (splint)? Sometimes, especially with the store-bought ones but also with dentist ones, splints can increase clenching. especially if you are waking up with your mouth tightly clenched to it, i don't think it is accomplishing the job you are hopiing it is.
there are different types of splints to try to stop the clenching although it is difficult. sometimes medications are tried as well. relaxation techniques are without a doubt hard for a single mom to find the time to learn and practice, but who needs it more? learn deep breathing techniques, relaxation yoga, or at the least put in some relaxation tapes to sleep to at night. Definitely take time to de-stress before going to bed. there are some jaw exercises and neck stretching exercises you can find on the internet and try for loosening up the tight muscles. finding professional help would be the best solution.
good luck to you and give jade a hug.
Ann

mommy2Jade · 12-18-2004, 11:30 AM

Thank you for responding Ann.

The dentist who gave me the mouthpiece was doing his "experimenting" with TMJ patients. He was studying TMJ disorders while getting licensed to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders, and took on a few lab rats (which I, of course, was one). He said I had one of the worst cases he had seen in his time of study. That was reassuring

I am going to try to get into a yoga class this coming semester. It's just really tough because they fill up so quickly and they are only offered AFTER my daughter gets out of daycare. I think I am going to try to find some exercises as you suggested... It just hurts so bad to move my mouth past a certain point most of the time. Thanks again for caring enough to respond!! It helps to know there are other people out there to talk to about this nightmare. ~Jill~

Ann123 · 12-18-2004, 10:27 PM

Hi Jill,
Have you talked to your family doctor and dentist? It really sounds like you could use the help of some medications and a better splint. It does not always take an expensive specialist that insurance doesn't cover to get some relief from symptoms.
I found beginners tapes for yoga that you can follow along with work fine - Wai Lana's are ones I really like for relaxation. Also, have you tried applying mosit heat? - the rice bags in the microwave are really good for that. Take care, Ann

westin4 · 12-19-2004, 04:13 PM

mommy2jade,
It sounds like you have got some real problems going on there. Is this dentist still treating you? Maybe your splint needs to be adjusted. Does he mark your bite with carbon paper to see if you are hitting where it is comfortable for you?

I use the kind of muscle cream that you just rub on your face when I have severe pain. Maybe you could talk to your dentist about trying out some meds for this.

It is a very hard condition to understand if you don't have it.

Karen

by the way....welcome to the boards