Is this normal for TMJ? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

scguy · 03-18-2005, 07:40 PM

Or am I in really bad off shape. I am in CONSTANT pain with this TMD. I can get minimal relief for about 2 hours from Tylenol or Motrin, but have to take it CONTANTLY and in high doses to ease the HORRIBLE pain. It gets so bad, especially around 6-8pm that I writhe in pain with tears. Pains are in my head, temple and ear.
I just had a splint made from a fairly well respected TMJ dentist/Orthodontist in Georgia. It was inexpensive ($100) but the My family has used these guys for 25 years from everything from our braces when we were kids, to grandkids braces, etc. and are friends of the family. The dentist told me I was a clencher, according to my X-rays, and I can vouch for that because i have woken up several nights lately with my teeth/jaw clamped closed. Ive been through LOADS of stress lately with 2 car wrecks and a wisdom tooth extraction. Im hoping this splint will give me a little relief, but How long does it usually take for it to start working (if it will). A few days? A few weeks? Im wearing it 24/7. Also, for those of you who are in the CONSTANT pain like I am, do you ever get some relief, like a week or a month without the pains. If this splint doesnt help I dont think I can live like this anymore.....And this all started happening 3 weeks ago!!

grapes · 03-18-2005, 10:17 PM

TMJ syndrome runs the gamut. Some people are in constant terrible pain, some people have only mild symptoms, and some people fluctuate from mild symptoms to acute flare-ups. Some people feel terrible and then they get better. It doesn't sound like you've been in severe pain for that long, so try to take it one day at a time, and don't project too far into the future. (I know, easier said than done.)

One thing that has helps me is the oral sensor biofeedback mouthguard. It might help you, given that you're a clencher. ****** it.

grapes · 03-18-2005, 10:20 PM

TMJ syndrome runs the gamut. Some people are in constant terrible pain, some people have only mild symptoms, and some people fluctuate from mild symptoms to acute flare-ups. Some people feel terrible and then they get better. It doesn't sound like you've been in severe pain for that long, so try to take it one day at a time, and don't project too far into the future. (I know, easier said than done.)

I've chewed through a lot of dentist prescribed splints, most of which caused more pain than they relieved.

One thing that has helped me is the oral sensor biofeedback mouthguard. It might help you, given that you're a clencher.