Need Suggestions - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

lindy23 · 12-30-2008, 09:09 AM

I have TMJ from a bad bite. My bottom jaw grew forward when I was about 20 (I'm 23 now). I wear a splint every night and during the day when it is really bad. I also take anti-inflamitories (Lodine) twice a day and Soma at night, I try to only take it when I really need it because it can be addicting in some people. I use moist heat pretty much every night. I try to eat healthy and soft foods.

I've been feeling terrible for the past month. My jaw is not as bad as it has been, it is moving in and out of position as opposed to being out all the time. It is always really sore.

On top of my jaw, I've been feeling just terrible everywhere else. My shoulders are hard as rocks and the muscles hurt all the way down my back, my arms and elbows hurt, my knees are so sore. If I kneel down, it takes a lot to get up. I have been getting muscle cramps in my thigh, calf and should/neck areas. I feel tired all the time, and have headaches that just don't want to go away. I basically have been feeling like I have the flu for almost two months, but without the cold-like symptoms. My stomache doesn't bother me. I get plenty of sleep. However, I sleep really hard and have crazy nightmares most of the time. This is probably the 3rd or 4th time I've had an "epidsode" like this. I slept 3 days straight close to the end of one, this past summer, except I never had my elbows and knees bother me before. Oh, and sometimes my feet, lips and hands feel kinda tingly or numb.

I tried a massage, but felt good only while I was being rubbed, 20 minutes after I felt worse than before I went. I am going to get another one probably next weekend, I just don't know if they help enough to be worth the money.

I just want to know if anyone has this related to their TMJ, or if I may have something else. I don't want to go to the doctor to hear the same thing as they always tell me. They check me for anemia, test for pregnancy even though I tell them I'm not, then they tell me to get a massage, and that's about it. Sometimes they will give me headache medicine that doesn't help. I will end up going to my dr. pretty soon if it doesn't slack off, I can't take much more of this.

trudypippin · 12-30-2008, 10:36 AM

It is possible that the aches in your body are related to your jaw position. If the jaw is not in place, that can affect your spinal alignment and right on down the rest. You might want to bring this up with your splint doctor to maybe get you set up with some physical therapy. PT in conjunction with your splint therapy may help to get it all going again.

It certainly doesn't hurt to keep your PCP involved in all of this, because if it's not related, they can get you going in the right direction.

Good luck!

luvtocamp · 12-30-2008, 11:51 AM

I would recomend an osteopath, and then maybe PT. An osteopath who does manipulation, is a trained dr. and will know whats going on . they are gentler than a chiro too, but they know the muscles and spine well.

Most times PT just throw you in a stretching routine and maybe your not ready for it.

I do think your problems sound jaw related as my whole body is affected too.

Thelma-Louise · 12-30-2008, 01:34 PM

Same here - your jaw position affects the c-spine and this ripples down the spine resulting in overall full body misalignment which in turns results in other joints not working correctly and muscle cramps, spasms and twitching - and the numbness and tingling you may feel as well. I used to have it all as you do now - its somewhat less now and not as severe although I still deal with my finger joints locking on one hand and body aches and pains - but have definitely seen an improvement with the help of my latest chiro. Your tmj dr should be addressing these issues in conjunction with adjusting your splint and referring you to other forms of therapy to help the body resume its optimal alignment.

lindy23 · 12-30-2008, 01:34 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I did look up and find an Osteopath that treats TMJ, but it is a 2 hour and 20 minute drive for me

How often do people normally have to go for treatment?

I know my insurance doesn't cover anything TMJ related, but I am wanting to say they don't cover much PT. I know that can be expensive. I will have to check into that some more.

I am about to start doing yoga, as much as I dread it, I hear a lot of professionals talk about how good it is for you.