TMJ Forum - TMJ and problems biting

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Q: TMJ and problems biting

asked by: yogalady on August 16th, 2008

New User

Hello

I'm new to posting, but I've been reading here for a little while.

I've been diagnosed with TMJ since 2001. I had a brief period for a couple years with no pain or problems, not sure why. Either way, it came back with a vengeance in 2006 during a time of stress.

I am/was living in a new state and the dentists around here just are not any help. One person ground a tiny spot on a back molar, which I regret now. It seemed to make things worse. Another one said to stop being stressed out. The current one made me a hard acrylic night splint that after numerous adjustments, I still cannot wear. It caused a whole new area of pain in my mouth. Almost like I clenched on it extremely hard instead of relaxing during sleep.

If you read this far, thank you.

What I'm curious about is by avoiding chewy or hard foods, I seem to be unable to bite into things with my front teeth. It's almost like I just don't have the strength? If that is even possible. The dentists keep telling me my teeth are fine and strong. Yet, I cannot bite into anything...saltines or a celery stick for instance. It isn't the pain, it's the feeling of weakness.

Can all the soft foods make my jaw weak? I also wonder if I'm so paranoid now that it's become a mental issue. Does anyone else know what I mean?

Also, after seeing numerous dentists who I just feel don't understand TMJ, as well as my family doctor and my chiropractor....I feel like giving up. I'm tired of having pain that no one understands. It's hard on my family most of all. My husband is sick of hearing about it, and seeing me cry.

Any advice? I'd really, really appreciate it right now.

Thanks

Replies(9)

TMJWorld

replied on August 17th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

dont give up---its not worth what you will lose--you have to fight. I can help you---yes your jaw will get weak from all the soft foods(yes i also feel like i havent the strength to bite on things.) there is a sticky thread at the top of the forum with exercises in it. you should try some of these--not too much it will hurt more. go slow. It sounds as if the problem is muscular--nothing wrong with the teeth yet you cant bite down---naturally the problem isnt the teeth.

most doctors and dentists out there dont understand tmd---most think its all in the head--dont take that as an answer--its not true. pm me and we can talk more--i know that i can help you

Users who thank TMJWorld for this post: yogalady

expatient

replied on August 17th, 2008

Experienced User

I wonder how ofted TMD-symptoms are misdiagnosed and how often they are cured easily with skilled hands and Hippocrates grip?

Here three cases of TMD and one with fibromyalgia:
http://www.selkasivut.fi/jaw/jaw.htm

yogalady

replied on August 17th, 2008

New User

Thank you!

tmddyan, I sent you a PM. Thank you and I appreciate your kind words.

expatient, thank you for the link. I'm going to read it after posting.

TMJWorld

replied on August 17th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

tmj disorders are often misdiagnosed--but what you are talking about would cause more problems-as very often there are structural problems.

TMJWorld

replied on August 17th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

beleive me --been there

expatient

replied on August 17th, 2008

Experienced User

Many structural problems are not structural problems. Many doctors only believe they are. Some doctors don't believe, they know it's usually only functional.

Like leg lengths or pelvic asymmetry or scoliosis. Most often it is not anatomical. Same goes with jaw. That's why it is so poorly treated.

If in 2D picture bones look asymmetric it doesn't mean they are that in 3D world. They are only in different postition. I have a lot of experience on that with diagnoses on my problems: scoliosis, pelvic asymmetry, short left leg, etc. They were all functional, it just took a long time to find one who had skills to correct the malpositions of the bones and return the positional symmetry. So I could tell the same: Believe me - been there.

TMJWorld

replied on August 17th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

no they are i had one and it was---we wernt going off of 2d picts. we were going off 3 d scans---and no i dont think you ve been there--its my understanditg that you were misdiagnosed so you wouldnt really know about the tmj

expatient

replied on August 18th, 2008

Experienced User

Tmddyan wrote:

If my problem was solved it means I got the right treatment, wright? And if it happens by one short adjustment and I immediately feel the posture change, movement improvement and pains are gone, then for me it was the correct diagnose and treatment.

And I kow many others who have the same experience.

TMJWorld

replied on August 18th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

not necessarily

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