Out of nowhere... - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

thatguyjeff · 12-18-2008, 10:55 AM

Hi All. New here...

I've had the clicking and popping all my life, pretty much without issue.

I got a splint from the dentist to wear at night I don't know how many years ago. Wore it some for some really minor stiffness in the mornings. That went away and I haven't worn it in years. Doesn't even really fit now since having dental work done and whatnot.

So about a month ago I started having this earache. Thought I had an infection or something, was just getting over a cold. Went to the doctor, no infection. Didn't have any idea that it could be TMJ.

Since then (about a month ago) it has gotten exponentially worse. Constant pain, stiff, it's bad and it's really bringing me down.

What I can't figure out is why now? What happened all the sudden?

I'm going to see a specialist in about a week. Don't know what to expect.

StillHope · 12-18-2008, 04:57 PM

The ear pain is often triggered by over-exertion and strain of the neck and head muscles. If the jaw is forced to be in a more forward position it brings the head out of its natural balance on the neck and spine. This makes the muscles work hard to compensate. Imagine a 10-12 lb ball on the top of a pole, first in balance, then out of balance. It's a hard work 24/7 not to let it fall.

Splints which increase the height of the teeth on the back can force the jaw move more forward than where it belongs, causing all the above.

Focus on keeping a good posture with the head sitting in balance on your shoulders. This should not be an effort. I mean naturally it should be in balance.
Try to align yourself and watch for where you are biting. Your bite should not make you strain forward.