TMJ Symptoms and Help

Hi - Can anybody provide me with a website that outlines the symptoms of TMJ or perhaps a list of symptoms.  I have been diagnosed with TMJ - my jaw dislocates when my mouth is open.  Every morning I wake up with facial pain, jaw pain, blurred vision (burning eyes), it sometimes feels as though my head is in a vise.  I've been dealing with this feeling every morning for 12 years and have struggled trying to fix this problem.  I'd like to know if having TMJ can cause pain elsewhere in the body, specifically the neck and shoulders.  I cannot tell you how many doctors I've seen and even saw a TJM specialist about 5 years ago - I was told that nothing could be done about it.  I've had 7 sleep studies and found I have mild apnea, however the sleep doctor told me that he highly doubts that these symptoms are related to apnea.  I've tried every (and I do mean every) apnea device made however I still wake up feeling this way every morning.  I cannot believe that there is nothing that can be done to help, which is why I'm asking for your help.  I do have bruxism, but I have not a clue how to stop it.  I've had numerous mouth guards and am currently using a 'Clear-Way' device for sleep apnea - it moves the lower jaw forward to open the breathing passage.  Previous guards have done little to stop the clenching - as a matter of face, I have cracked several of them when clenching.  I really believe that the TMJ/Bruxism is the cause of why I feel the way I do every morning.  The problem is how do I stop the clenching.  Over the past 12 years, I woke up 3 times and felt good - like I had a peaceful night sleep, which may sound like a blessing, but I see it as a curse because it tells me that it is obtainable.  I've journaled many times to see if I feel the least bit better in the AM if I can re-create it...but cannot.   I've read postings about doctors who specialize in treating TMJ and I'm wondering how you find these doctors.  I'm hoping that technology has changed since I was last seen 5 years ago and that maybe, just maybe someone can offer me some help.  It really is horrible waking up ever morning feeling like this and I've all but consumed my thoughts on trying to fix this problem.  You're help and suggestions are really appreciated.
Thank You !!

[bridgettec1975]

Pete,

I know exactly how you feel.  

I wake up every morning feeling like a train ran over me.  

Now I also have a bulging disc in my back.  

It is not related to the TMJ though.  

As far as the TMJ and bruxism go.  

I have donealot of research and have been old there is nothing they can do.  

But recently I found that you can have a cortizone steroid shot in the area to bring down inflamation (inflammation), also you can buy bruxism hypotic cds to listen to at night that are supposed to help with teaching you not to brux when you are asleep.  

Then there is also accupuncture.  

Go to a Pain Management doctor that specialiszes in TMJ and also a Massage Therapist that specializes in TMJ.

I havent tried any of these things yet because for some reason Insurance companies don' seem to cover TMJ.  

Yoga is also good to bring down your stress level as most of this is caused by Stress!  

Hope that helps!

As soon as I get done with therapy for my back then I am going to focus on TMJ.

I am going to have to try and see if I can get the doctors to bill it as though they were not treating me for TMJ though since its not covered under Ins. or I may wait till next year and switch to another Insuarnce company.  

Good Luck and God Bless you.

[scottma]

Temporomandibular disorder is associated with a variety of symptoms, namely. chronic head, neck, upper shoulder, orofacial pain, ear, supraorbital,tmjs, dental symptoms. Occlusal therapy is highly effective. However, the fabrication of occlusal appliance is technique sensitive. If the appliance is well fabricated, you will feel the joint position is seated more upward and backward than your joint position while swallowing. In addition, cheek muscles tend to relax within miniutes. The most common mistake made by inexperienced practitioner is the appliance makes the joint position more forward. Finally, when a well made appliance is inserted in the mouth, you would not be able to initiate bruxism, even you deisre to do on purpose. Seeing a competent tmj specialist is advised.

[dee8470]

Hi, Pete.  I recently saw a Neuro-muscular dentist and was quite impressed with how he analyses the jaw, muscles, nerves and bite.  I happend upon him by accident, and I think neuro muscular dentistry is a newer field, but I'd suggest finding one and making an appointment to discuss the options. I received a TENS treatment and three days later I was absolutely pain free and energized to the max. I wasn't even aware of my pain until it was gone! Unfortunately, its doesn't last until the problem is actually corrected. This is just the start of my treatment which  will change my bite and do it without braces, land hopefully will keep my muscles relaxed. Now that I understand what's happening, I try every day to keep my jaw relaxed and forward (I have an overbite) to keep muscles relaxed.  I feel the stress of the TMJ discomfort has also  caused some bad breathing habits which I am trying to correct. The stress of pain caused me to breathe very shallow and too fast, so now I'm working on deeper, longer breaths.  For the first time in my life my purple lips are now pinkish!  Love that oxygen.  Good luck.