Hi everyone,

My name is Ricky and I am a TMJ sufferrer. I've had TMJ for about 2 years now which all began after University.

I was quite stressed at Uni and a few months later felt my jaw lock. Instead of being sensible I forced my jaw through this lock by opening my jaw even wider - CRACK. I felt a thud on my right side and so began the tinnitus - instantly.

Symptoms have worsened since then and progressively continues to do so...tinnitus, neck/back/shoulder pain, excess saliva and speech inconsistency being just a few of them. It's needless to say how stressful this is hence adding more coal to the fire opposed to reducing stress and resolving the problem!

I have been diagnosed with a displaced disc in my right jaw joint.

I've been searching for a expert but am not sure who is specialised in this. I've read that the best approach is to use a splint to bring the bottom jaw forward (hence realigning the disc) and then using a fixed brace to ensure the jaw sits in this new position permanently.

Does anyone agree/disagree with this approach?

Is anyone aware of any trustworthy expert TMJ specialists in the UK?

My symptoms are worsoning and significantly reducing the quality in my life. I know it is time I begin to get this fixed. Reading through the other posts, it occurs to me that some methods of treatment are better than others - and there is no point cutting corners..

I sincerely hope someone can help. Any advice is very much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Ricky