TMJ Disorder or Not?

[Jen19721989]

I have already had surgery for TMJ disorder, and am still having extreme pain. The only way to describe it is an ice pick being rammed through my left ear. I was informed that any other surgery would make it even worse. I have gotten a second opinion, and have also been informed that my TMJ is fine! Then WHY am I still having such extreme pain? Nerve block injections, nerve medications like Neurontin, Lyrica, etc.. have not helped. Hydrocodone helps take just the edge off of the pain. Talking, chewing, anything that involves movement of the left side of my face is excruciating! Has anyone out there ever experienced this? I feel like I'm the only one, and the Dr.(s) I've seen, don't seem to know what to do.

[LivingInHope]

I feel badly for you.  I have really bad TMJ problems myself, but I wouldn't say it is to the excruciating level.  Maybe gets to an 8 on the pain scale.  I have been told I have osteoarthritis in both joints.  It hurts to talk and chew.  I have been wearing a stabilization splint almost all the time (DMD suggestion to get ready for getting a cavity filled).... however, I am having a big flare up and had to start taking ibuprofen again yesterday for the pain (drug of choice I was told in the past for TMJ flare-up).  It looks like I'll have to put the filling off.  Have you had an MRI of the TMJ area  (better for showing the discs) or a cat scan?  I am sorry the surgery didn't work for you.  I was told a few years back that I need to be on a soft diet for the rest of my life.  

[Tuckamore]

Hello Jen,

Welcome to MedHelp's Pain Management Forum. I am sorry that you are having such pain. Most of us can relate to how disruptive chronic pain can be to our daily lives.

I am wondering what types of physicians have you seen. I think you should consider Trudie's suggestion to see a rheumatologist. Have you a neurologist to rule out nerve entrapment?  I assume that is why they are prescribing neurontin.

Susie,s suggestion for a chiropractor is close to what I was thinking. I see a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy). They are actually physicians trained and educated like a MD with additional training to perform Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). With OMT, osteopathic physicians use their hands to diagnose illness and injury. DO's may consider alternative approaches to treating disease, and may be more apt to consider the disease as a dysfunction of the total working of the body. Without the manipulations of my DO I would not function and the pain would be intolerable. When no other medical professional could diagnosis my painful condition my DO did and in one visit. I encourage you to consider an evaluation by a newer grad DO.

Have you seen a PMP? Though in my state they do not follow and treat chronic pain (CP) patients long term, I know they so in other states. They can often suggest treatments that have escaped other physicians.  

What I am actually suggesting is that you don't give up. Keep searching for solutions and treatments for your pain. We are here to support you. I hope you will keep us updated on your progress and how you are doing. I will look forward to hearing from you.

Best of luck to you and take care.

Peace,
Tuck

[SassyLassie]

Since you have seen the doctors and dentists, I would suggest seeing a chiropractor. If your neck is out of alignment, you will get these kinds of pains and once the vertebrae is back to the position it should be in, things will get better, it sure can't hurt to try, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Good luck
Susie

[TrudieC]

I'm so sorry you're feeling so badly.  I wonder if it might be appropriate to see a rheumatologist to see if there is some type of arthritis in the joint?  It could also be adhesions or myofascial tissue due to the surgery.  A massage therapist might be able to give you some relief.