do you sleep with a special pillow at all? I have a chiroflow--its filled with water so that it gives you support where you need it as you move---ive not had trouble with locking up while sleeping since i started using one 3 years ago. I wake up feeling good all over too.

My jaw was locking up every morning. My OS suggested that I stop wearing my splint. The relief was almost instantaneous. I only occasionally locked up after that. Of course, I made the mistake of undergoing an arthrocentesis, which caused a permanent lockup of my jaw. But going off the splint may help. Ask your OS about it.

yeah arthro is pretty much worthless. its just one of those things that they have to do before they can do something more agressive.

I have always wondering how good the water pillows are...considering how expensive they are, I never was willing to take the risk of trying it. I am a side sleeper and I need ultra firm support....I guess that's not going to give it to me is it?

Hi Hazelnut,
Do you take an SSRI anti-depressant daily (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) Recent reports have shown that these types of anti-d's may cause night-time clenching. If you are, either see about changing to a different type of anti-d or add a very small dose (7.5 mg or less) of Buspar to your daily meds. It does have to be prescribed by a doctor but it is very inexpensive.

Also if you aren't already, add Magnesium to your daily vitamins. Not only do I take the Mag that comes with Calcium but also 500 mg. of just Magnesium just before bed. Start at a lower dose and build up to allow your body to get used to it. It can cause diarrhea.

I personally cannot sleep on my back. I purchased a special pillow for side-sleepers and it does the trick for me.

God bless...
Carol

hey vanessa--my chiro sells them for 60 i could get you one--they are wonderful.