Looking for Advice

[TrudieC]

I have had TMJ since I was a teenager (I am now 45) and it is now getting worse.  I am spending so much on massage and acupuncture and the mouthguard I have doesn't seem to help.  I gag on it and I seem to still clench when wearing it.  I have so much shoulder and neck pain and just awful headaches.  I am now having ulcer problems so can no longer take ibuprofen or aspirin which do help some of the pain.  I am fed up and wnat my life back.  Does anyone have some advice on how to proceed to get rid of the pain?

[Fatkat68]

I understand totally.  I had my first TMJ surgery to fix similar problem over 14 years ago.  I was lucky that I had a great Max Fax surgeon.  I now have replacement joints and are totally pain free.  I'm not sure if treatment in the States is the same as here in the UK.  Good luck
K

[TMJDoc]

Hi, Unfortunately I see this scenario over and over.  Too much time, money and effort is spent by professionals on treating symptoms and not the cause.  My recommendation is finding a TMJ dentist that has had extensive training and some credentials to go along with it.  It can be done, but it's not a simple matter for a situation like yours.  Look at the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain website for the referral area.  I know how difficult and frustrating it is for patients to find the correct treatment.  Hope you find it.  TMJDoc