Getting older with TMJ - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Kirbiejo · 01-23-2007, 07:30 AM

Hi all,
I am new to the forum. I have read many of the post and feel for many of you, as my pain is daily but tolerable. I had a car accident in 1990, hit my head and hit my jaw so that it is hanging on one side and sort of jammed in the other. I had therapy right away, they suggested surgery. But I did not go through with it. in 1995 I had braces for my teeth (but that seemed to be when I had the least amount of jaw pain) I then went to UCLA for help - again therapy, anti-inflammatory medicine but nothing worth the drive (2 hours with traffic)
Now that I am older - I have just lived with the pain - the retainer for the braces seemed to sort of splint my jaw and help.
Last year after a major flare up my dentist made a splint (the big plastic thing) I went last week to have it adjusted and he seemed shocked that I do not grind my teeth. - But I still have pain, ear, neck, facial, pops/clicks can't really open my mouth (Im not sure of the measurement)
I feel sometimes like I want to go back to the orthodontist and just have him put braces back on - because that relieved the pain more than the plastic splint does. Any thought on this? Suggestions? I noticed a good Dr. that someone posted in San Diego - maybe I will go see him.
I just would like some insight, if you have any I feel like I am getting older (not quite 40) and I am still in pain from an accident that occured almost 20 years ago.
I don't complain to my family, friends or kids, I don't want people to think I am a whiner so I thought I would turn to those who might also be in chronic pain that might also being living with similar symptoms.
Thank you in advanced. God Bless.

sunflower22 · 01-23-2007, 06:55 PM

I also have TMJ I have lot of the symonths you but my splint helps me alot so I am not in pain. Ever now and then I do get a flar up. I don't usually say something since alot of people that I know just don't understand my TMJ. I work for a dental office and they got me out of pain with making me my splint so I always can go to them since they understand cause alot of them have TMJ. The thing is I don't even know how I got TMJ.

skitz600 · 01-27-2007, 12:14 PM

I also have tmj and can sympothize with your pain! I have a splint, but I don't grind my teeth either. How did your dentist know you were not grinding you teeth? I told my dentist I don't, but he said it's unconciously done. I sleep with my mouth open all the time, and my splint doesn't show any signs of grinding as far as I can tell. There are already grind marks from the dentist though. This is my second splint, because my old dentist didn't make my first one properly. I really would like to try surgery, but I don't think many people see results with that either. let me know if you find something that helps you, and I'll do the same!

Kirbiejo · 01-28-2007, 09:07 AM

The dentist said that I don't have any wear on my splint - he acted as if this was a big deal - (I didn't know) - Sometimes I feel like Dr.'s are running a business and that they are trying to support their 'business' while diagnosing you with MANY different needs. I know that using a splint is common for people with TMJ so that is why I was OK purchasing it. But, as time goes on and it is not really helping, I question what his motives are. So I guess I will just continue to pray....

skitz600 · 01-28-2007, 11:15 AM

I know that surgey is an option, but my dentist said that it can make things feel worse. I'm sure you already know that you're not supposed to chew gum or eat hard foods. I still do sometimes, it's not easy to give up food! You may be able to try muscle relaxers, but some can make you tired. Usually when I wake up in the morning I will lay on my right side and let my jaw hang freely, for like 5-10 minutes. It helps my jaw to not lock up as much. I will pray for you and everyone with tmj! I hope you feel better!!!!