Severe Pain rt. TMJ - now in left. Rt. TMJ Anyone have an MRI - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Rascal12 · 07-21-2007, 08:31 AM

Where do I Begin????
Had a trauma to a facial muscle and now have severe rt. TMJ pain. I think the muscle went into spasm and pulled on the ligament (or something) that holds the joint in place. Ever since the inj. my joint pops. Difficulty opening my mouth and hurts to talk, swallow, etc. Left side has been OK till a few days ago. I made the mistake of eating a sandwich (been on soft food for months). Last time I did that it seemed to help the rt. side. Not this time. What a mistake. Now the left side is aching also. I am really in trouble - as pain goes up into my temple, down into my throat. I could handle one side - but now that it is on the left side. Wow! Already taking anti infl. , did exercises, etc. Nothing has helped.
Anyone know what an MRI of the joint is like? What do they do? Has anyone had one to see if their joint is out of place?
Any ideas???? I cannot have any chiro or anything like that. .
Rascal 12

ck42ck1 · 07-24-2007, 06:43 AM

Hello,

Sorry you are having so much trouble. I think I would see the dentist asap and then after that maybe a trip to my family doctor. I would say do both
asap. Obviously something is wrong I would not wait much longer and keep us posted ok. All the best to you!!

Thelma-Louise · 07-24-2007, 07:43 AM

You need a drs prescription to get an MRI - its not invasive or anything but it takes an hour or so depending on how many pictures your dr wants and they tend to do them with both your mouth closed and jaws together as well as slightly apart. The machine tends to be very noisy and loud and /bc you go into a small "tunnel" its pretty confining so if you have problems in close or tight quarters it can cause some anxiety - so I just kept my eyes closed. If you move while a picture is being taken they may need to redo it so its best to stay as still as possible (not easy when you are having muscles spasms). but they do give you breaks inbetween picture series so you can move a bit. Some labs and hosptials do have open (no tunnel) MRIs which may be an option but not sure they are capable of doing the jaw joint.

Suzq222 · 07-24-2007, 01:29 PM

I had an MRI 3 years ago when my problem started. The tech in charge said that one set of pictures required my mouth wide open using some sort of tool to pry my mouth wide and hold it there for "a few minutes". I told him that the reason I was having the MRI was because of TMJ and I couldn't open my mouth wide and holding it there would be very painful for me. He said that the doctor requested it on the perscription and he needed to do it. So reluctantly I felt that if that's what is needed so the doctor can figure out my problem then I will do it. Big mistake! It caused a problem on my left side that I never had before and I was in pain for weeks. So please be careful.

Thelma-Louise · 07-24-2007, 01:54 PM

I wasn't requested to open that wide but a bite bit was used to have something to rest on while the jaw was open - mine wasn't much thicker than 1/4 inch and it was small - inserted just between by upper and lower front teeth so my back teeth remained apart. It may have something to do with what the dr requests, so if there is a concern about it, ask the dr what he is specifically requesting so you know in advance and/or can voice your concerns before hand.