Back again - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

newjerseyguy · 11-08-2005, 08:52 AM

Hello all. I have not been on the boards for quite a while. Back in 2001, I had some severe TMJD symptoms begin. Classic symptoms such as teeth pain and sensitivity, disorientation, terrible neck pain as well as jaw pain. I just felt exhausted and sick from it all. I never felt good. Like many of you, I went to every type of doctor imaginable with no results other than the fact that I was going broke. I finally did find a NJ specialist that helped me, primarily with the use of a lower teeth splint combined with some muscle therapy. It was very expensive and of course most of it was not covered by medical OR dental. Quite unfair, but with TMJ issues that seems to be common. Unfortunately a few weeks ago, for no apparent reason, my symptoms came back full force. I am sitting here at work right now with bad neck pain, teeth pain and feel like I have the flu. I am spending half my days looking on the internet and researching to find a good doctor or dentist. I don't want to go back to the guy I saw in 2001 for a number of reasons, even though I was helped a little. I think at this point I know everything there is to know about TMJ related problems and treatment protocols! I just wanted to say that i understand and sympathize with every poster in here that is experiencing TMJ problems. BTW, if anyone had had a positive experience with a NJ TMJD doctor or dentist, I'd appreciate the info.

raylp · 11-08-2005, 09:16 AM

I just posted something on Lyme on the TMJ board. You might do some research on this and see if your symptoms match. Might seem out of the blue, but you never know. Neck pain and disorientation match.

newjerseyguy · 11-08-2005, 09:51 AM

Thanks for the info. I recall back in 2001 when i first went to the TMJ doctor, the first thing he did was send me for a LYME test, although we all know that LYME disease seems to be similar to TMJ problems in that it is hard to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. I do think however that my problem is TMJ related because of the success of the splint treatment a few years back. I think my problem is even greater now though as i can feel upper back and shoulder problems along with the teeth pain. Feels like my whole body is out of line. I know I injured my shoulder and clavical a few months back while at the gym. I'm sure that was one of the triggers that started my symptoms again. The worst is the head/neck/teeth pain combined with the disorientation. It's pretty hard to get through the work day.

raylp · 11-08-2005, 10:56 AM

Well, still it might not be a bad idea to get checked. I've heard that the tests are not that accurate, especially if they only the first part.

If it is muscular instead, then you might consider treating the muscular side of things with a myofasical massage practioner who treats TMJ.

If TMJ is the symptom rather than the root cause, then it might be good to look for the underlying problem and treat that.

newjerseyguy · 11-08-2005, 03:18 PM

Thanks again for your input. I'm sure my problem has multiple causes such as poor occlusion, some muscle issues and stress, possibly teeth grinding as well. I am big on working out and weight lifting and i think that may have contributed to my problems and finally pushed it over the edge. I'm hoping splint therapy and some sort of muscle massage will help. As it stands now, each day is pretty rough. I am not a complainer, but the multiple symptoms I am experiencing have been hard to handle.