Jaw pain - I'm worried - is it TMJ? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

blueskies20 · 03-26-2006, 11:14 PM

Hi everyone, Just two days ago I noticed some jaw pain on my left side. It hurts to open my mouth to yawn. I can eat foods okay and I don't have problems speaking. But the pain is still there and I have no idea what caused it. It feels like it's the joint. It could be the muscles around there. When I massage that area, it feels better but the pain has not gone away. The pain itself is not a stabbing pain or anything -- more like a dull kind of pain.

I know a little bit about TMJ. I am worried that this might be it. To my knowledge I have never grinded my teeth before when I sleep. I also sleep with retainers. I don't have any ear pain or persistent headaches. I do chew gum occassionally. Does anyone know why I might be having this pain? How long should I wait to see if this pain continues before I seek medical help? Is this something I should be worried about?

I'm a student and my health insurance is very expensive. I can't afford to see a doctor, basically, without having to pay out of pocket for the visit. I can't afford to see a dentist right now either. That's why I'm turning to this board. Any advice would be appreciated!

kingkang · 03-29-2006, 09:22 AM

Hey,

I've had the same thing. I woke up one morning and my jaw was sore. This was about 2 months ago. Since then, I went to a dentist and he said I might have TMJ. Didn't know anything about it.

I suggest you go to a specialist. Find a good TMJ specialist and yeah, its not cheap, but you should go and get a correct diagnosis first, and don't chew gum. It's not supposed to be good. I doubt chewing gum caused your TMJ either. It's probably because you clench your teeth at night even if you don't grind.

But go see someone sooner than later. Trust me, its better that way.

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blueskies20 · 03-29-2006, 10:02 AM

Hi there, thanks for your reply. Since I last posted, the soreness and pain have disappeared. I still have no idea what caused it

. I do plan on seeing my dentist at the end of next month. The only update I have is that my jaw does make a very very slight clicking sounds when I yawn or chew. I know that this is symptomatic of TMJ but I am wondering if it was making these sounds before and I just never noticed it.

Has anybody else been in a situation like mine and how did you resolve it? If I do have TMJ does it ever go away or is this a lifelong affliction? I'm only 27 and I don't want this disorder for the rest of my life!

kingkang · 03-29-2006, 10:12 AM

Hey Blue,

Yeha, i just got my TMJ, but get it checked out by your dentist and if he says its TMJ, I would say go to a specialist b/c again, if there's a misdiagnosis then, there could be plenty of problems ahead. read the different posts. Not sure if it'll go away. My specialist said the pain could disappear but don't worry if its true or not. I'm 25 and I don't want this for the rest of my life either. I feel your anxiety. You're not in this alone, I can tell you that.

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