Please help! New tmj diagnosis horrible pain!!!! - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

4fourlegs · 01-06-2009, 07:15 PM

I was diagnosed with TMJ about 6 months ago following a broken tooth being repaired. At that time the pain only lasted 4 or five days and was relieved with muscle relaxers and soft diet. However, about 8 weeks ago i started having sharp pains in the right side of my head followed by ear pain and a horrible headache. after 2 days i went to the doctor and they said i had a sinus infection and gave me antibiotics and a decongestant. After the ten day meds i was feeling better for about three days then it happened all over again...the Dr. said the sinus infection must be worse or had recurred. Another 10 days of the same meds was prescribed. Three days into the meds my headache was getting worse, at that point they put me on steriods and still no relief, although my sinus were very clear! I already had an appointment with a TMJ specialist but did not think that the headache was caused by tmj as i have had no real issues with my jaw unless having dental work. They took x-rays and it turns out that i have complete subluxations on each side upon opening my mouth, also my muscles were all contracted throughout my head. the tmj guy said that all of my head pain was due to TMJ and that i needed muscle relaxers, a splint and physical therapy. I agreed but was then put off when they said that they wouldn't treat me at all without a signed treatment agreement. the treatment was coved by my insurance so i don't think it was a monetary concern and it sort of made me think that the recommended treatment was a little hokey so i didn't sign anything and decided to do some more research first. I spoke with my dentist and after reading the report he agreed on the treatment recommended with the exception of physical therapy. He gave me Robaxin (muscle relaxers) and is fitting me for a splint tomorrow. My real concern is that i haven't seen any posts from people having the head pain that i am having and i am afraid that there is something else i should be looking for as the cause. It has now been eight and a half weeks with horrible pain and i don't know that i have any hope that a splint is going to help me.

Can anyone help me feel reassured that this will get better with tmj treatment?

Does anyone else have a daily headache with occasional sharp stabbing pain?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks
-JMB

cobiagirl · 01-06-2009, 08:13 PM

I have a daily headache with daily sharp stabbing pain. I havent been able to eat any solid foods since April 2008. I also have a splint that I wear everynight, I grind my teath really bad. I have grinded down the acrylic. I really can't give you any good news, hopefully someone else can do that for me. I can't even go see my doctor until April 2009 because of Pre-existing with my insurance and I cant afford it without it. But I wanted you to know that you arent the only person having severe pain.

4fourlegs · 01-06-2009, 10:05 PM

thank you so much for responding to me. i am going to get fitted in the morning for my splint. i not going to the tmj specialist because while i liked the doctor, they wanted me to agree to physical therapy before they would do anything and i just haven't seen any evidence that PT works for TMJ. all of the reports i have read are 50/50.
I was out of my robaxin for three days and grinded my teeth so badly that i chipped three in two nights....great another dentist bill!
I am sorry to hear that you feel the same as i do but at least neither one of us feel like it's only us!
i will write after my appointment tomorrow.
BTW the Robaxin really helps me during the day, although i think that i need something stronger for night time when i am doing the most damage.

do you also have ear and throat pain...my ears have been terrible but after being off the roxaxin for three days now my throat and tongue muscles are so painful.

Thelma-Louise · 01-06-2009, 11:09 PM

Head pain - including migraines, stabbing or shooting pain in the head or around the ears and neck, tingling or numbness, etc is pretty common with tmj and so is what the tmj specialist recommended including the PT, which I might add should be covered by most medical insurances. Most PT for tmj (it should be done by a therapist trained in treating tmj or one who specializes in sport injuries) includes warm moist compresses, massage, ultra sound and use of a tens unit and even manual palpitation of the oral and facial muscles. Doing PT while undergoing splint therapy provides the most optimal and quickest relief as it helps the muscles return to their normal relaxed position and functioning - which is necessary for the splint to work as it should as well.

Good luck with your appt tomorrow.

cobiagirl · 01-07-2009, 07:54 AM

Yeah, I have problems with my ears hurting. Mine feels like I have a severe ear infection all the time, but of course I don't. When I go to the doctor they always check my ears like they dont believe me or something. But I hope your appointment went well this morning.