I think i have a possible remedy for TMJ - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

jimmydragon · 12-27-2004, 12:39 AM

Hello Everyone. I will tell you this. I suffered with TMJ beginning of June 2003. Went to get a root canal done and all Hell broke loose a few days afterwards. the root canal is fine but i think I opened my mouth too long (over an hour and so it injured my chewing muscles or whatever it is) and I was in excruciating pain. I was suicidal too. But then something happened. I found someone who knew exactly how to cure TMJ. HE gave me the advice to rest. All you need is TONS of rest. Yes, read it again. TONS of rest. I had to quit my job since the pain was too much to even type a keyboard but it was well worth it. I rested in bed for almost 3 months just laying in bed FLAT listening to music (while my credit cards started to build up but i did not care as i got better day by day. Besides, money is worthless IF working for money makes your pain worst). Even when i lay in bed and not really able to fall asleep as the pain was really bad, i still struggled thru the endless nights of sleeplessness and pain. After about a month of sleepless nights, it happened. I was able to finally SLEEP. it was a great feeling as insomnia for several weeks drove me nuts. After 3 months, it started to get a bit better and I was able to go back to work again at a different job (could not go back to my data entry job as it used too much muscles and the neck was still a bit painful and i could not sit still for a long period of time). Its over a year now and it feel much better and can eat normally and pain is pretty much nonexistance.

And this is very important to remember , If you dont eat and try to chew a bit every day (even if it hurts, your muscles will not be able to slowly heal and expand itself (so that you are able to open your mouth without restrictions) and will die off and you will then have to have surgery.

So if you suffer from TMJ, do get as much rest as you can and laying flat in bed and when you are not resting in bed, try NOT to put your head in a forward position as that uses your jaw muscles and it makes it harder to heal. I always LOOKED up as opposed to looking down, even if that means i have to squat down to look up.

I hope this helps at least one person.

RESTING FLAT in bed IS THE KEY TO GETTING BETTER.

any questions, please do not hesistate to ask me. I want all of you to get well from this misery

CherylLynn24 · 12-27-2004, 01:13 AM

I'm glad to hear this has worked for you Jimmy, but unfortunately this will not work for all out there that suffer from this disorder. Many suffer from structural abnormalities, in addition to muscle problems. At a time, I would lie/sleep for a good 18 hours a day and it did me no good. Quite the contrary, it took me being somewhat physically active to be able to get through a regular day. (Using and stretching out all of the muscles involved....which can be many!)

Good for you for finding something that helps you! Welcome to the board.

mommy2scl · 12-27-2004, 06:31 AM

I agree with CherylLynn

I have structural abnormalities in the joint that no amount of rest is going to fix. I also have 3 small children and lying in bed for 3 months is out of the question. But I am glad it worked for you.

Mommy

buffster · 12-27-2004, 07:13 AM

Yea IM going to have to agree with Cheryl and mommy I think it's great that you found comfort But I really don't think many will agree that is the answer. As for me I have No disc and the beginnings of bone fusion I also have massive fluid build up and lying in bed Only makes that 10 times worse, see when you lye down especially flat the fluid goes around eye area (gravity takes over) when I get up I look like a boxer after a fight after an hour or two on my feet it goes down. Well, I'm not trying to say that rest wont help BUT it is most defiantly not for everyone. I too have 3 small children mommy and a day in bed Oh Heck haven't had one of those in 11 years LOL . From the sounds of your posts it sounds like insomnia may have been part of your problem I know MYSELF i clinch MORE in my sleep that's why I have to take a muscle relaxer before bed.

Glad you found comfort
Take care
Buff

Blades · 01-02-2005, 07:43 PM

That is so awesome that you found a way to do this and it worked for you!! I am afraid I will have to agree with the others, I am not in a position to quit my job and stay in bed. I have had a couple of dentist tell me that they didn't think there was structure damage that it is muscular but, one dentist thinks there is (I haven't had x-rays done yet) will be going for x-rays this week so, if there isn't structural damage I am not sure what will be the next step. I am using a splint it seems to help a bit and excedrin tension headache and advil cold and sinus seems to help but, not for long. I have had the pain in my neck, jaw, temples, top of head, behind my eyes, severe headaches, dizziness for about 3mos., If anyone else has any advice please let me know, this is driving me nuts!!
PS I don't know if anyone else has tried this but, I have been going to a chiropractor and does help with the pain.