Swollen glands w TMJ? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Lynda11011 · 07-07-2007, 02:46 PM

I believe I am in a TMJ episode....I have pain below both ears and pressure and swollen glands that come and go w the pain...also back teeth that hurt, and a jaw that doesn''t want me to chew....going to TMJ dentist this coming week, but just wondering if the glands are a symptom? Or is it the muscles in the neck spasming causing the glands to feel full? It gets worse when i talk too and I am very tired and depressed....Motrin 800 isn't helping....what will? Lynda

Thelma-Louise · 07-07-2007, 03:00 PM

It definitely could be but other possibilities may have to be ruled out to be on the safe side. Do you have your wisdom teeth - that can cause similar symptoms as well as strep throat and tinsilitis - unless you have already ruled out medical or ear related conditions. Many tmj sufferers start with similar symptoms. You might want to try some warm moist compresses around your ears and neck area - I used to take a wet damp towel and nuke it in the microwave for 1-2 mins and then wrap it under my neck and tie it on top of my head making sure my ears were covered in the process and would leave it on for 10 mins or so and then repeat the process over and over for about an hour.

Lynda11011 · 07-07-2007, 03:36 PM

I know i clench.....and i went to ENT and he looked in my ears and said they were fine....I am antibiotics as they thought it was a tooth, but no evidence of bad tooth, so if it was a bacterial infection in throat causing this, the antibiotics would have gone after it, so I suspect its TMJ symtoms.....do any pain meds work?

dr33 · 07-11-2007, 09:49 AM

Hi Lynda, you wrote me yesterday and we have very similiar symptoms. I have the same problem with my glands and the pressure in my ears. A friend recommended I try Sudafed. Yes, sounds weird I know, but it has really helped with the pressure. She also has TMJ and has had it for at least 10 years. I can honestly say that the mortin 800,Sudafed 24 hour, and Robaxin(muscle relaxer) are the only thing so far to give me any relief from constant pain in jaw, face, and pressure and ringing in my ears. I also put ice on my face at night and rotate with mosit towels. I hope this gives you some relief, good luck, and I hope you feel better real soon.dr33

distressed1 · 07-18-2007, 06:39 AM

Dr33, do you know what makes your glands feel the way they do? In my case, they feel like they are a little achy, but then so do the muscles along the sides of my neck and into my upper shoulders. With TMJ, is there inflammation present that flares up that whole area, including the glands?