TMJ Forum - More than TMJ ?

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Q: More than TMJ ?

asked by: reeder on April 5th, 2009

New User

About three and a half years ago I violently sneezed and my jaw popped out. Within minutes it went back in but left me in pain that day. No pain for a couple of days but since then pain every single day. I find it hard to belive this is TMJ so I am asking if you all could give me your opinion please?

Its only on one side. Cheek feels very close to my upper teeth so I am always getting a sore cheek internally. When I bite down I can feel my cheek cushioning my teeth on that side.
Head pains.
Pain sometimes feels like its in my throat.
Tootache on that side.
Pain around ear/ in ear..shooting pains in ear.
Occasional complete lock up which is excruciating.

Its got to the stage where I dread sneezing, coughing or having to raise my voice to the kids! Took ibubrofen for an age but I have acid problems and it was making this worse so gave them up. Was offered amytriptilline ( spelling?) but reacted to it so had to come off.
At my last visit to hospital I was told there was nothing more they could do...told I now have arthritis in the jaw. ( No x-rays, scans!) bite guard didnt work.

I am at my wits end. I am going to have this for the rest of my life. I meditate daily and dont feel overly stressed. I dont know what else to do. I worry sometimes its more than TMJ.

Any opinions or advice most welcome thanks ( I am in UK).

Reeder

Replies(4)

MelanieV

replied on April 5th, 2009

New User

What you've described sounds like TMJ to me. I find it odd that they can diagnose you with arthritis without sending you for an MRI. It sounds like your lower jaw has shifted.

Have you seen an oral surgeon? I definitely recommend that you see someone who will order an MRI.

In the meantime, eat soft foods, try hot/cold packs when needed and give your face (including your temples), neck and shoulders a bit of a massage when you're in the shower. Amitriptyline (sp?) is an old tricyclic anti-depressant that works well on myofascial pain (I'm currently using it), so if the doctors believe that part of your problem is muscular, then I'd also suggest seeing a physiotherapist, as sometimes the muscles can be causing more pain than the jaw, and are usually behind the headaches.

Good luck, I hope you find some help and answers soon.

Melanie (Australia).

reeder

replied on April 6th, 2009

New User

Thanks for that Melanie. I am going to see my genral doctor this week to find out what she thinks. I have that awful pulsatile tinnutis too and it drives me crazy especially when I am trying to sleep.
I got a little worried when he said 'arthritis' as I know thats degenerative and a no hoper for the future.
Sounds odd but I cant even kiss my husband properly any more! My diet is bad because I will eat anything that doesnt mean I have to open my mouth very wide.
Thanks again

MelanieV

replied on April 6th, 2009

New User

I'm very thankful that I don't have tinnitus. I also have arthritis in my TMJ's, and my joints are deteriorating with jagged edges and are steadily wearing away the cartilage, I'm scared of the day they become bone on bone. I also know the depressing feeling of not being able to kiss your partner.
Have you tried pureeing vegetables to make a soup? My partner did that for me a couple of years ago when my jaw was really playing up.

Currently, most of my pain is muscular, the joints, I feel, are lying dormant for now. If a lot of your pain is muscular, (and it is sometimes difficult to tell) then that is treatable.
Good luck with your doctor and I hope she refers you for an MRI, as it's always good to know what's going on in there.

reeder

replied on April 7th, 2009

New User

Thanks again Melanie,
I have an appointment for friday. Apart from my jaw joint locking now and again ..weeks sometimes months in between, I feel the majority of the pain is deep..like in deep tissue because it feels like its my throat half the time.
I'll let you know how I get on and thanks again

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