tmj and nti

[lizzy4100]

All of a sudden i started having many of tmj symptoms (jaw/face pain, blocked and ringing ears, head/neck tension, etc), and went to dentist who gave me splint device (nti).  The device helped with blocked and ringing ears, but brings more pain.  Dentist tried to adjust to see if that helped, but still have more pain when i use it, so dentist said it must be something else (another disorder/disease), but when i read the symptoms it almost describe what i have.  I'm wondering, is it possible that this nti make the problem worse, or like the dentist say, if it doesn't help then it's something else affecting me....not tmd
Thank you!

[wordsmith]

I also have a slipped disk at S1.  I also have tinnitus.  My personal physician thought my tinnitus was caused by allergies.  After several months of my narrowing down the possible causes, we finally agreed that my slipped disk was causing the tinnitus by tightening up the back and neck muscles.  THERE IS HOPE.  FIRST, help the ears all you can in this way: (1) take an over the counter Claritin generic to keep the ears clear of fluids; (2) get your doctor to give you a prescription for Nasarel (a nasal decongestant); and (3) drink sodas with caffein in them to shrink some of the blood vessels that feed the ear.  Other things you can do is to take Robitussin PE if there is some serious congestion issues and flush the nose from time to time with this solution: one cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.  The flush is very effective for temporary relief of ear congestion.  SECOND, do this exercise: (1) lie on your left side with your left arm slightly away from and ahead of your body; (2) put your left leg out straight so your head, torso, and legs are in a line; (3) bring your right leg up to your chest as far as it will come; and (4) put your right arm behind your body as far as it will go.  Once your body is in this position, count slowly to 90.  Once done on the left side, turn over on your right side and repeat what you just did.  Of course, the right leg will now be pulled up and the left arm will be behind your torso.  Again, count to 90.  I was taught this procedure by a physcial therapist and it relieves the pressure on the spine and the ringing in my ear disappears or is minimized.  Check with your doctor or physical therapist to make sure that your slipped disk does not prevent you from doing this exercise.  During the time I was attempting to find the reason for my ears ringing, the "buzz" was so bad I could hardly stand it.  Now it is reasonably under control with the hope that it can be eliminated completely with futher treatment.  THIRD, I am also looking into a recent modality (approved by the government) that calls for a mild stretching of the spine that allows the slipped disk to move back into or near its normal position and away from the spinal cord.  It is only available for minor cases, which I hope mine is.  Good luck, Patty.  I hope the above helps.  

[wordsmith]

I also have a slipped disk at S1.  I also have tinnitus.  My personal physician thought my tinnitus was caused by allergies.  After several months of my narrowing down the possible causes, we finally agreed that my slipped disk was causing the tinnitus by tightening up the back and neck muscles.  THERE IS HOPE.  FIRST, help the ears all you can in this way: (1) take an over the counter Claritin generic to keep the ears clear of fluids; (2) get your doctor to give you a prescription for Nasarel (a nasal decongestant); and (3) drink sodas with caffein in them to shrink some of the blood vessels that feed the ear.  Other things you can do is to take Robitussin PE if there is some serious congestion issues and flush the nose from time to time with this solution: one cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.  The flush is very effective for temporary relief of ear congestion.  SECOND, do this exercise: (1) lie on your left side with your left arm slightly away from and ahead of your body; (2) put your left leg out straight so your head, torso, and legs are in a line; (3) bring your right leg up to your chest as far as it will come; and (4) put your right arm behind your body as far as it will go.  Once your body is in this position, count slowly to 90.  Once done on the left side, turn over on your right side and repeat what you just did.  Of course, the right leg will now be pulled up and the left arm will be behind your torso.  Again, count to 90.  I was taught this procedure by a physcial therapist and it relieves the pressure on the spine and the ringing in my ear disappears or is minimized.  Check with your doctor or physical therapist to make sure that your slipped disk does not prevent you from doing this exercise.  During the time I was attempting to find the reason for my ears ringing, the "buzz" was so bad I could hardly stand it.  Now it is reasonably under control with the hope that it can be eliminated completely with futher treatment.  THIRD, I am also looking into a recent modality (approved by the government) that calls for a mild stretching of the spine that allows the slipped disk to move back into or near its normal position and away from the spinal cord.  It is only available for minor cases, which I hope mine is.  Good luck, Patty.  I hope the above helps.  

[patj45]

MRI i had for a different reason also stated right degenerative changes. went to see a tmj specialist who did alot of testing and measuring and looked at the MRI and was told i have a slipped disc and arthristis of the joint, he making a split that i'll get next week, along with muscle relaxers and excercises. some symptoms i was having but didnt know they were related to tmj are head/neck aches and ringing of the ears. Question i have is i was told ringing of the ears was not a symptom of tmj but you stated the split help. is ther relief for me? the ringing gets so bad
thank you , Patty

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

I think you should consult a dentist that specializes in TMJ dysfunction and facial pain. Not all appliances will relieve the symptoms but that doesn't mean that there is something else wrong.

[mike1105]

just becasue the tmj device did not help you that much does not mean it is some kind of disease or other disorder. that is ludicrous. It could be simply that the device did not help. You should try to see a dentist who has alot of experience in TMJ. some dentists even limit their practice to TMJ.