I need advice please, TMJ sufferers - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

berriepie · 04-16-2008, 01:05 PM

To cut a long story short I have been suffering symptoms such as headaches, jaw/toothache, ear ache, stiff neck, shoulders and back amongst other things. I just want to know if anyones symptoms are worse some days and better on others? Some days i feel ok and others i feel really bad, but since friday (its now wednesday) ive had a real bad headache. Been to Emergency Room twice who said its not serious. My teeth really hurt (i have fixed braces) and my head too.

Does anyone suffer REALLY bad headaches? i.e forehead, temples, top of head? i dont know how much more i can take! i cant take painkillers because of the whole rebound-headache thing. (been taking them for months and months).

Please shed some light

Thelma-Louise · 04-16-2008, 04:12 PM

When you say "fixed braces" do you mean you are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment to reposition your teeth?

If so, have you told the dentist treating you about this? When was your last adjustment?

Did this start after the braces were put on and adjusted over time or have you had the same symptoms prior to then? Were the braces done to try and resolve your current symptoms?

Yes - some people do have flareups that come and go due to stress, clenching or gringing more than usual, after a dental appt where they had to keep their mouth open, eating something too crunchy or hard, etc.

Instead of pain killers have you tried muscle relaxants or any prescription migraine medications that work differently than pain meds in general?

Are you getting any other symptoms associated with migraines such as nausea, vision blurriness or sensitivity to light and/or sound/noise?

berriepie · 04-18-2008, 10:24 AM

Thanks for the reply.
Yes thats what i mean, some people know them as "train tracks"

My last adjustment was February, I am due another one next week.

I have had the symptoms since June 2007 and my braces were put on December 2007 to correct my bite, to bring my front teeth back as they stick out. In 2004 i was offered jaw surgery to correct the position of my jaw, but i opted for "retainer braces" which are not fixed. They held my jaw forward and pulled my top teeth back but they were too sore.

I have been more stressed lately, i was given Amitriptyline for the tension headaches, my headaches and neck do seem to be worse after ive eaten something crunchy. As ive said ive been to Emergency Room twice and theyve told me im fine. I havent had any nausea or blurred vision. I am sensitive to light sometimes, its mainly after i wake up though, not permenant.

I feel like its an vicious circle, i want to fix my jaw to help my headaches to get rid of my neck and backache, but i also want to get rid of the back and neck ache to get rid of the tension in my head and jaw