xts

Hi everyone,

First let me say I'm nervous posting. (Afriad I'll mess up on accident with a rule).

I'd like to share my experience with someone. I'm in my 30's and I've had problems with my jaw since I was about 15. At first it was the tightness and locking during yawns, etc until one day I forced it the rest of the way (thinking I was yawning and couldn't help myself but I barely remember what prompted me to force it). Since then it crackles and aches.

Lately it's been off and on worse. If I eat something tough it really hurts.

My symptoms:

Jaw pain
Ear plugging (and spasms at times, like what you hear when you yawn)
Gum issues (receding, etc)
Grinding Teeth in sleep (BAD I have been told)
Clenching teeth during waking hours (tension I think)
Neck tightness
Neck discomfort
Swollen glands
Sweat bumps on jaw line (???) I seem to break out on the jaw line.
Headaches (mainly temple but also forehead and back of head)
Vision issues
Nasal discomfort (seems stopped up somewhat)
Shoulder feels tight but no pain
Other joint discomfort
Sleep Disorder (insomnia)
Stress
Occasional throat discomfort (glands draining??)
Light sensitivity
(maybe others I can't think of just right now as I'm not symptoming with them at the moment).

I've taken Tylenol and Ibuprofen for it, not sure which would be best and since I have been taken it often I try to switch back and forth.

I have been to a dentist (no names) and was wondering if it's truly common for them to identify this situation or if it's the place of a dr. He asked me if I had joint issues and I said yes. AFter my visit my jaw has been worse. I've not said anything as I don't want to hurt his feelings but I think it was the dental work that aggrevated it.
I had a crown put in, it seems ok but it's on the same side I have most of my discomfort.

My teeth aren't grinded down to nubs but I do grind and have waken myself to loud grinding noises wondering what it was to find out it was me!! I've also woken up kissing a pillow but I think that is irrelevant to this topic but maybe you got a kick out of it anyhow.

I sleep excessively deep. Most of my grinding is after a few hours of sleep I think, mainly in the mornings when it's nearing time to wake.

I grit my teeth alot out of habit or tension, I think both. I'm missing most of my wisdoms and a few of my molars. I have one partial tooth rebuilt in front and I have a bit of an overbit (1/4 inch) top teeth over bottom.

My jaw feels like the lower part belongs out further but it won't stay there as it wants to sit further back instead.. My teeth line up though if I push my lower jaw out.

My dentist didn't mention anything to me about it..
I must admit though, when I'm on laughing gas I don't think too much about asking. (I really don't know how the dentists manage to work on me when I'm there.. I get so nervous I can't shut up) lol

Well, I think that's about it..
Thanks for listening and I'm all ears on any ideas and/or suggestions. Especially concerning who I should talk to about TMJ. I'm pretty sure that is what I have, or RA, which I've read on somewhat. I've just begun my research. I've always tried to tough it out with most ailments.. Don't want to be whiney

Best to you guys, have a great week...

Xts

PS. saw no asterisks during my post preview so I think my post is good to go??