TMJ Forum - Just Been Diagnosed With Tmj Today!

Conditions and Diseases > TMJ Forum > Just Been Diagnosed With Tmj Today!

Q: Just Been Diagnosed With Tmj Today!

asked by: Paradese on October 1st, 2007

New User

Hi,

I've just be diagnosed with TMJ today after being treated for what my doctors thought was eustation tube trouble since March 2007.

Doctor told me today after pressing my jaw in some very sore places that its definatly TMJ and that I should try wearing a splint at night to reduce the pain, if this doesnt work after a few month they will refer me further.

Can someone give me some more details on this condition?

What exactly is it?
How would I got it?
Does it cause any long term health complications?
Will it cause any further problems?
Where should I get a splint? from my dentist?

I'm a 23yr old female, and keep good health, so this has come as quite a shock. I've been suffering from a dull pain constantly right in front of my ears (which made docs think it was eustation tube) rather than my jaw joint since March. Mu jaw muscles feel very tight when i open my jaw but apart from this i dont have any other symtoms. just the dull aching pain constantly.

Is there any therapies i can try to releive the stressed,tense muscles?
and why are they like this? is it caused by stress? I dont chew gum or eat very chewy foods, i dont have any habits such as poppin my jaw, or bitting nails etc so cant see what Im doing that puts extra strain on my jaw causing this problem. Dentist has also confirmed i dont grind my teeth as there is no sign of this on my teeth.

Im really new to this condition so if someone can give me some pointers id really appreciate it.

Only thing that springs to mind is a talk a heck of a lot lol - both socially but also in my job im a busy switch board operator could this have anything to do with it?

Will this condition worsen? im concerned as its started at 23 that my jaw will be in a pretty bad way later in life? is this the case?

One last thing...after my diagnosis today who should I go see for further treatment/advice my Doctor or Dentist? The hospital today didnt give me a follow up appointment or point me in the right direction as to what i should do next, apart from get a splint?!
thanks in advanced for any comments

Replies(3)

TMJWorld

replied on October 1st, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

tmd is caused by any number of things, stress, trauma, dentists, etc. some people are born with a propensity for it and end up with it regardless. some get it from having braces.

I have a suggestion for you that will "fix" the problem. esp. because you say your muscles are tight. I had most of the symptoms you have and a lot more and this fixed it for me so i think that you have a good chance of it working for you too.

use heat and ice on the jaw. you need to do streching exercises to keep your opening. open as wide as you can and hold it for 5 sec. 5 times 5 times a day..

it could get worse but that is really iffy. it depends on the person what caused it and what you do on a regular basis. talking a lot I dont think will hurt it too much. your muscles might get sore but that is about all.

I can referr you to a good doctor.

if pain gets to where you cant handle it take 4 ibuprophen with food and lots of water. baby that jaw. its goo that you dont chew gum or eat crunchy foods in general --you wont be eating that at all now. you want to stick to the softest diet possible. you may want to invest in a juicer too. Smile

you need anything im right here you can pm me or email me at anytime. Smile

Paradese

replied on October 2nd, 2007

New User

Thank you for your reply Dyan, I will try your exercises to keep my jaw flexible and have a heat pad on at the moment to see if this helps.

I'd also like to invest in a good pillow, which supports the neck and jaw properly to hopefully stop me clenching at night.
Can anyone recommend a good pillow to releive symtoms of TMJ by a UK manufactor?

TMJWorld

replied on October 2nd, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Try a chiroflow. You can order them over the internet. just search for chiroflow water based pillow. it has done wonders for me. it supports you wehre you need it. and it moves with you to always give you the best support.

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