Okay, it all began when my dd hit me under my chin a few days before thanksgiving. Within a week, I was in severe pain on my right side. My jaw joint was hurting, but so was the side of my head, the side of my face, and my teeth. I could not chew or bite on anything, and I was talking through clenched teeth.
Within another week, I could only open my mouth the width of 1 1/2 fingers.
After consulting my gp and my dentist, I was referred to an orofacial pain specialist. After an initial (expensive) exam, he decided that I had joint effusion and articular disc disorder.
After 2 weeks of meds and physical therapy, the joint effusion was gone. All of my radiating pain was gone. I still had the severe pain right in the joint, and I still can't open my mouth very far.
Op doc suggested mri to see where exactly my discs are. Results: my discs are right where they are supposed to be, but they are severely degenerated. Dr. Says he doesn't know what this means, that my case is so rare that it doesn't even have a name. He doesn't know how to proceed with treatment.
At this point, I feel like he's jerking me around. I've seen him four (very expensive) times, and I still don't have a diagnosis or treatment plan.
I started doing research on the net and found "degenerative joint disease." now, i'm no expert, but it sure does sound like what i've got. I think there's also a possibility of ankylosis (loss of joint movement resulting from fusion of bones within the joint or calcification of the ligaments around it).
If I could find this info so easily, what is his problem. I wasn't kidding when I said this guy is a specialist.
I apologize for this being so long, but i'm at my wits end. If you have any ideas, comments, or suggestions, I sure would appreciate them!!!
I should have mentioned earlier....I have had no prior problems with tmj, and I don't fit the "profile." i've had no clicking or popping....Joints have never been displaced. My injury from dd did not cause this. I also have never had a problem with clenching or grinding, and I see my dentist twice a year. Also, I am in my 30's and do not have any other forms of arthritis.