| Re: Developed TMJ/TMD
I feel sorry for you. You really need to see a specialist oral surgeon, one who is expert in tmj dysfunction. I can't recommend anyone because I am in the UK and I go to a clinic here, which is very good, but of course I don't have to pay. I went today actually and was prescribed something to relax the muscle which is in spasm on one side. It stopped hurting a few days ago because I had been taking Diclofenac 150 mg a day which is a strong anti-inflammatory - again, i got these through my own doctor. You can buy Diclofenac over the counter but it is not so strong. In any case it is not a good idea to take them long term, they have a bad effect on the digestive system, but as an emergency measure they are excellent on a short term basis. I've stopped taking them now.
The consultant I saw today told me to use heat which helps reduce spasm and I am seeing him again shortly. It does help if you find the right specialist, it reduces some of the stress and tmj problems are exacerbated by stress.
I hope you can find the money to get the treatment you desperately need. In the meantime please try to de-stress, exercise your jaw in the way you have been told - the exercises do help - and continue to use heat pads. It might go off on its own, it does sometimes, and you will learn to avoid triggers.
Good luck.
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