TMJ or could it be worse?

[DanCalifornia]

Hello friends, My name is Dan as you can see by my user name. I am 19 years old, and Suffering from what I believe is TMJ. How It started I'm unsure of, although I have been to see a specialist who is working his best to try to resolve the issue. From what he says my jaw is to far back (Bottem Jaw is waayyy behind the top), meaning it needs to be brought forward. There is alot of crowding in my mouth, my teeth are all swamped together. I have lost quite a bit of hearing from what I believe is caused from the TMJ, the jaw falling backinto my ears.

I have a good understanding of TMJ but I am also very worried about other symptoms I'm having. I have terrible swelling all in my neck and face, If I sit down to drive my car or even on the couch it causes more swelling in my face and neck. The swelling gets so bad that It seriously, makes me look like another person. I'm not sure if TMJ causes that kind of swelling, but its rough! And I'm pretty darn scared. Another Thing that causes the swelling in my face and neck is if i Do any heavy lifting or even tilt my head down for to long it blows up a bit.


Thanks, hope you can help! no one out here has been able to diagnose my situation, I must have spent over 5,000$ trying to get answers or suggestions of the cause.

-Dan

[needofhelp000]

Hi my name is Kimberly I am 20 years old.  I am sorry that your condition is as bad as it is.  But I have TMJ and I have seveir migraines, Jaw, neck, and shoulder pains and I do have swelling but nothing like you have discribed.  I have a question has your doctors suggested and MRI or a CT Scan some say that can find more then what an x ray can but I am sure you already have since you have spent over $5,000. It might be were your jaw is set to far back and might be on a nerve which would possible mean that you would need reconstructive Jaw surgery.  But it could also be an Infection. From the way you have described the swelling and I am sure you have pain so I am guessing it's a possble infection. I'm sorry I could'nt help more.  GOOD LUCK!

~Kimberly~    

[Kestra]

I also have problems with TMJ.  Although I am not entirely certain, I would expect that this is a lifelong condition for most.  I've had problems with TMJ for several years now, and the severity of it comes and goes.  At the times when the pain and swelling are at their worst, I take pain killers and go to physical therapy.

There are so many different problems that can result from TMJ related issues, that it really wouldn't be surprising if no one shared your exact symptoms.  I wouldn't let that worry you, as any kind of stress is likely to worsen your TMJ symptoms.  However, if you don't trust the specialist you are working with now, getting a second opinion never hurts.

Once you find a specialist/physical therapist you trust, they should be able to recommend some light jaw-exercises that can improve your condition.  I hope you will soon feel better.

`Kestra