unable to drop jaw - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Essare · 04-04-2006, 01:40 PM

Hello all,

I woke up about 10 days ago, and was unable to open my mouth more than 22mm (3/4"). The next day, with some effort, I was able to open it (after hearing a click) and I was fine for the rest of the day. Woke up the next a.m. and had only a small opening again, and it's been like that ever since.

Does anyone know of any cases where this will just clear up on it's own? I've read about splints, operations, etc. with mostly poor results. Does anyone have any good news stories?

I'm thinking, from what I read, this may be an anteriorly displaced meniscus, without reduction, but I hope not, because that does not seem to be curable.

Thanks for any feedback,
Sylvi

laskalady · 04-04-2006, 04:54 PM

Hello I have displaced disks I also woke up one morning with clicking..and headaches.. 2 days later I woke up and couldnt open my mouth very wide..couldnt even fit 2 fingers in...as is the case to this day. That happened 8 months ago. I hoped that this would just go away but it never did. I went to 4 doctors/dentist before knowing what I had to do.. It is an absolute you see a tmj specialist! Not just any..but a caring, knowledgeable one. It took me 6 mos to find him. I am now going through the 2 phase therapy to avoid surgery at all cost! its costing me thousands but perhaps your insurance may cover it. I have to put my health before the money, I just want my normal mouth back. Im using a hard lower splint to unlock my jaw now, and will be switching to another after this is accomplished. This board is really gonna be helpful for you, so keep us all posted! Hang in there, because I've heard a lot of good results with the tmj specialists who know what they are doing.

Essare · 04-04-2006, 10:33 PM

Thank you laskalady. I'm sorry to hear about your problems, but glad that you feel you have found some help. I'll be watching for your progress.

I'm going to try all the self care that has been recommended, to see if I can be one of the lucky ones.

Thank you for helping!

Sylvi