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Temporomandibular Joint & Muscle Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to temporomandibular joint issues including headaches and managing pain.
How can you treat TMJ?
by crid, May 11, 2008 11:55AM
I have TMJ and I think its been getting worse the past couple weeks. I have jaw problems for about 3 years now (probably because I have braces). At times, it would get so bad, my jaw would lock and I couldn't even eat or open it far enough to talk. That hurt so bad I almost cried, but it freaked me out more than anything.
Well, the past 2 weeks I've had a stiff neck. Could this be associated with TMJ? My right side is worse than my left, but both sides pop and crack, and sometimes my jaw does lock. My symptoms are:
-headache (once in a while w/ jaw pain)
-sounds in my ear while chewing (crunching and popping)
-once in a while-ringing in ears
-some sounds hurt my ears, like clinking silverware
So could my stiff neck be associated with TMJ? And how can I get rid of TMJ? My dentist told my orthodontist to fix it, but I just gave up because he wasn't doing anything serious to help it.
Well, the past 2 weeks I've had a stiff neck. Could this be associated with TMJ? My right side is worse than my left, but both sides pop and crack, and sometimes my jaw does lock. My symptoms are:
-headache (once in a while w/ jaw pain)
-sounds in my ear while chewing (crunching and popping)
-once in a while-ringing in ears
-some sounds hurt my ears, like clinking silverware
So could my stiff neck be associated with TMJ? And how can I get rid of TMJ? My dentist told my orthodontist to fix it, but I just gave up because he wasn't doing anything serious to help it.
Member Comments
by scottma, May 11, 2008 10:33PM
To: crid
Your symptomatoly is consistent with classical temporomandibular disorder presentation. Seeing a tmj specialist is advised.
by TMJDoc, May 27, 2008 03:16PM
To: crid
I would encourage you to find a TMJ specialist before your orthodontist takes off the braces. Being an orthodontist and TMJ specialist I find it frustrating that my beloved profession misses this diagnosis and/or think that changing tooth positions is a good treatment--it's not. You need to have the mandible repositioned for optimal relationship of your articular disc and condyle. It takes specific training on how and when to do that properly. Go to American Academy of Craniofacial Pain referral area to find someone in your area for a second opinion. I know you may upset your dentist and orthodontists, but judging by your symptoms you need help now so this isn't affecting you adversely for the rest of your life. TMJDoc
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