Need suggestions! - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

mimgregg · 11-21-2005, 09:47 PM

I feel backwards and landed on neck hard (total loss of lordotic curve), and have a myriad of other neck, head, body problems. ANYWAY, thought I was suffering from a severe sinus/ear infection about 6 weeks later and was told I had TMJ and needed to see my dentist (this from my gp). Got a shot of prednisone, vicodin, and flexeril. The shot actually helped the swelling in my face, ear, and jaw, but pain is back 8 days later. Since all this is tied up with a Workmans Comp fight, I have gotten tired of waiting and am going under my own insurance while I still have it. OK, now do I go to my dentist or is there some kind of specialist I need to go to first. I am a middle school teacher and am rather concerned about the long term effects of all of this. I have been out of work for the past 6 weeks, and it does not look as if I will be going back any time soon. A friend told me this could eventually nix my career as I am a technology trainer for students and adults and requires a lot of talking and explanation with visuals. Any suggestions/feedback would be great!!! Thanks!

tina1966 · 11-26-2005, 05:54 PM

Hi,
My name is Tina. I have been suffering with tmj for almost 3 years. Your should first make sure your diagnosis is correct...did you get xrays, etc? If so, then you must see a tmj specialist or an oral surgeon and possibly you may need a splint made. I have worn one now for almost 3 years. It took a long time for me to get over it and get back to work the first time it hit me. Sorry, to bare bad news....I hope your's is not as bad as mine was. I currently cannot work because I had a flare up by overdoing it at a house we are building...anyway..you must EDUCATE yourself!! TMJ is much much more than popping and clicking in the jaw...it affects the entire body...AND it affects everyone differently..with mine,,I had headaches, neck and back pain, etc.,,,I am also a teacher..preschool...and I miss it badly. I may get to go back in a few months. I had to go to physical therapy for my neck and back and it did wonders for me...also myofacial release massage helps too!

Hope I have been of help to you..please write back if you have any more questions...Good Luck with everything!! Tina

rubato · 11-27-2005, 06:41 AM

I agree with Tina. Get an MRI of the joints and see an oral surgeon or tmj surgeon (this doesn't mean surgery. They try lots of non-invasive treatments.). There are also some dentists who specialize in tmj, but in my area, I've never found one. I hope you find a solution soon. I know this can really get to you. Good luck.