I think I may have early signs of TMJ, what do you think? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

72Lena · 03-22-2005, 01:33 PM

I am so glad I found this category here on these boards! Yesterday while I was eating dinner, I went to open my mouth to take a bite, and my jaw made a big "pop" and then cracked immediatley following horrible severe pain in the left side of my jaw.

I kept massaging it. This morning I woke up and I can't put my teeth together on that side. I am not sure what to do! My sister has TMJ and she thinks that it sounds like what she has went through before.

She is telling me to take motrin every 4-6 hours and to eat all soft foods. She says eventually it will work its' way back into place. Her TMJ is so severe they want her to do the surgery but she refuses.

I'm just a little worried

This is a very weird feeling I have in my left side of my jaw and I can't close my mouth totally and make my teeth touch.

Any suggestions/thoughts or ideas?

Wayne05 · 03-22-2005, 02:32 PM

Hi, Lena,

You may try a heat or ice pad on your jaw. See which one would relieve your pain. To me, a heat pad works to relax my muscles. One doctor said it depends - some people may find ice bags more useful. Another TMJ specialist recommends using both alternatively, each for 20 minutes. And follow your sisters suggestions.

Good luck :-)

Wayne