Becky,
There are never too many questions you can ask about TMJ. I'm personally not impressed with your doctor's advice to you and that's why I'm going to suggest that you see another (or even more) TMJ "Specialists" for their opinion(s). I've had so many different opinions over the past 28 years that it could make your head spin. I also highly recommend that you do as much research as you can on your own with the Internet, asking questions at TMJ support sites (like here) and there are a few good books out on the market. Go to Amazon.com and type in TMJ and see what you get.
You asked me in another post about DJD. I'm slow at answering for a variety of reasons but mainly, I looked some stuff up and then I'm just slow at typing right now. Poor excuse, I know. Sorry.
Anyway, DJD (degenerative joint disease) is just another way of saying I have arthritis. There are different forms of arthritis. Did the doc tell you what kind of arthritis? The most common form is osteoarthritis (OA) or DJD and it usually occurs following “trauma” to a joint, then infection/inflammation, or, simple wear and tear, the dreaded aging process, or even genetics. There is also an idea that abnormal anatomy may contribute to early development OA/DJD. The “trauma” can be as stupid as a dentist keeping your mouth open too long and too wide, or as silly as yawning too big or chewing gum non-stop.
When the meniscus or disc (made up of a “super” type of cartilage) is displaced, damaged or destroyed, we have the nightmare of TMJ. The disc is necessary for cushioning between bones and provides stable movement of the jaw. If the smooth cartilage (disc) between the bones becomes rough from wear and tear, is stretched too thinly or is displaced, it causes friction to occur, which can lead to joint pain. The condyle (bone) can also be worn down or bone spurs can form.
This is a very simple, basic “lesson” on arthritis/DJD/OA. Rheumatoid arthritis is a whole other disease just about that I know almost nothing about, so I wouldn’t be able to advise anything except to see a rheumatologist, but I would be surprised if it is RA.
Now, I do disagree that "nothing" can be done and that is why you should see other specialists. You might not ever be "cured" but there is such a thing as managing or taking care of a physical problem when we develop one. For example, take diabetes. It's not curable, but you also don't do "nothing" about it. I sometimes get angry at TMJ docs who think that because they can't permanently "fix" the problem, they can just throw their hands up in the air and say they can't do anything. Meanwhile, we patients are suffering. You might have to learn how to best treat your various symptoms yourself with hopefully the help of others, such as your primary doctor, and/or a pain management doctor, and/or physical therapist, and/or bite splint maker, etc.
You also might NOT have arthritis. That’s why you need to see other TMJ specialists. Seek out Functional Joint Orthotic dentists and Neuromuscular dentists or just a simple dentist who makes very good bite splints and is usually quite knowledgeable. You do need to try and get your family physician on board to help with referral to PT or write prescriptions for various medications like narcotics, muscle relaxants, anti-d's, etc. There is a wide range of "treatments" that can help manage TMJ.
But first please get another opinion. I hope you find the help you need. And sorry for the length and lateness.
God bless...
Carol
pm me I think i can help.
