I desperatly need some advice. I was diagnosed with TMJ last year. I have not taken any steps to correct and/or treat it. I also suffer severe migraines and sinusitis. My whole face seems to hurt constantly: cheeks, over my eyes, temples, jaw, and forehead. How can I distinguish if the pain is caused by migraine, sinusitis, or TMJ? Is it a combination of all that has been making my life hell? I am only 23 and have had headaches for as long as I can remember.
Are there any medications which prevent pain in TMJ? I grind my teeth at night. Are there successful biteguards and/or preventative medicine for this? I am welcome to all suggestions. I am seeing an ENT on June 2nd and welcome any advice.
A big thanks to all.
Laura, While I can't offer any medical advice, I do know what you are going thru. I have lots of sinus trouble, along w/ TMJ. Sometimes I can't tell which one is the cause of my pain. Or maybe one seems to make the other flare up. I don't like to take medicine, Excedrine usually works for me. I haven't gotten to the really bad pain yet. I can feel that it is getting worse tho. My bite guard doesn't work, now instead of grinding my teeth at nite, I am just grinding against the guard. There are alot more people on here that can give you better advice. I hope you can find a solution..and feel better! Amy
i don't think there are any meds that prevent tmj pain. there are medicines that can temporarily relieve pain and inflammation - muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories... a successful biteplate (splint, appliance) is one that will work for you - one that will relieve your symptoms and make your tmjd manageable. i would suggest you go to a dentist that practices fjo, a neuromuscular dentist... and get fitted for a splint. this is conservative and should make a difference in the severity of your symptoms. if some of the referred pain from the tmjd is relieved then you can concentrate on your major issues: the tmjd and/or sinus. please stick to the conservative path right now, though. do not let this fear you are experiencing drive your actions. good luck.
Ditto for what pwc says. The ENT can help you with your sinuses, but you need to find someone who can treat the TMJ because the pain you have can all be related to it. Treatment for the TMJ may decrease your other headache pains.
A big thanks to all! It's refreshing to know that there are people willing to listen and help. Have any of you experienced reduction in pain because of wearing a splint at night?
Within 2 weeks of starting splint therapy, wearing an upper 24/7, my pain levels decreased significantly. By the time, my ortho thought my position was stable (14 months later), I was basically pain-free. I mean NO jaw, face, temple, cheek, head, neck or shoulder pain - and I've had TMD for 15+ years with chronic pain!
It was phenomenal, so by wearing the splint the ortho knew that repositioning my jaws was the solution to my TMD. However, now I go through Phase 2 of wearing braces for the next 3 years, and some of my pain has returned. I start PT next week to help. After 2 years of braces, I'll have some kind of orthognathic surgery to realign the jaws.
i've read the stories of some people on this board who have worn a splint 24/7 and now only need one at night. i don't know of many who simply started out with one at night but you should scan the boards, there may be a few. keep katie g's first paragraph in mind ( i sure will). it really is a testament to conservative therapy and the patience it takes for it to make a difference. i really wish i had read something like that before i had my surgery. good luck lauralu and thanks katie g.
Thanks to you too pwc. Your posts have been helpful to many of us seeking answers.
My heart goes out to posters who end up with negative outcomes from surgery, and I worry about specialists who opt for the surgical route first prior to conservative treatments.
I hope that you find relief and please keep us posted.
Re: Need Help 
