Do I have TMJ? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

ChuckDiesel405 · 12-23-2004, 02:46 AM

Hello everyone. I think I might have TMJ. First off, I'm a 23 year old male. My mother has TMJ. Having said that, here is why I think I have it:

Like I said, my mother has TMJ so I'd expect genetics to play a role. Also, my jaw clicks on one side whenever i open my mouth wide enough. Here is the big reason though: Whenever I eat, my jaw muscles get really tired. Is that a sign? My jaw muscles just get so fatigued when I eat that I actually have to take a break sometimes. It's especially bad whenever I eat anything gummy, like fruit snacks, those gummy peach rings, etc. Anything solid, even like a sandwich, still tires out my jaw muscles. I told my dentist, but he basically didn't seem too worried.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

westin4 · 12-23-2004, 08:12 AM

I had that same problem for a looooong time before the BIG flare ups started years ago. I would take it under control now. First of all....stop eating anything that is chewy, hard and especially don't chew gum. I would try and get some help if you can. I know it is hard if a dentist blows you off, but I would suggest you blow him off and find someone else.

Karen

littlegreek25 · 12-23-2004, 10:45 AM

I have TMJ and sometimes my jaw gets really tired too. Even if I am eating mashed potatoes (a main staple of my diet now), my jaw still gets tired just from opening and closing my mouth. I agree with Karen, stay away from anything hard or chewy. Also, do you clench or grind your teeth that you know of? That will make your jaw tired too, as well as lead to major problems later on. Take a look inside your mouth in the mirror. If you see what looks like outlines of your teeth inside your mouth and/or along your tongue, you clench. You can feel the ridges with your tongue along the inside of your mouth too. I'm a clencher and I do it while I sleep as well as during the day. I don't even notice it when I'm doing it, that's the worst part. Good luck to you.

Amy

oldpal · 12-23-2004, 11:38 PM

hello chuck,
You might have tmj. Genetic plays no role in tmj unless you have an abnormal growth in jaw or joint. Clicking is a definite sign that your joint is not at the right place. i too have clicking but no headaches. What you can do is go to your doctor and ask for a tomogram. It's an xray of the joints. If you're not familiar with where the joints should be, research "Gelb 4/7"
If your joints are suppose to be in their right places, there shouldn't be any clicking.

Take care,
oldpal

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westin4 · 12-24-2004, 08:41 AM

What is strange though is SO many of us have familial tmj stories. My mother and my sister both have tmj. It just might be a "tendency." Who knows, nothing about this condition is cut and dry.

Karen