My TMJ symptons are upside-down :(

[Unhinged]

I've had jaw pain for months and have seen my PCP many times, 3 dentists, an ENT and a neurologist.  The neurologist ordered an MRI shows shows my TM joint is bilaterally subluxed/dislocated, which happens when my jaw is closed, and reduces when it's open.  The neurologist said this is the opposite of what it should be, but at any rate, I need to see an oral surgeon.  I can't get an appointment for weeks.  The pain is god-awful and gettting worse daily.

Does this dislocation sound like it's clenching/stress related, or injury related?   What would cause the dislocation to occur when my jaw closed, and be better when it's open?  

[TMJDoc]

Unfortunately the neurologist has it backwards or there is a miscommunication.  Going off of the disc when you close is by far the most common of internal derangements of the TMJoint.  You should never go 'off' (dislocation) of you disc at any time during jaw function.  Scottma is correct with his assessment.  The reasons for the disc displacement can be a result of trauma, direct or from hyperactivity of chewing muscles.  Can be posture related which I believe is the most common cause.  Most  patients with TMD will need a physical therapist that understands the connection of cervical/mandibular function.  Oral surgeons are not well trained generally to deal with conservative treatment of the TMJ, only the failed cases got to surgery as a general rule.

[scottma]

Your description is more consistent with disc displacement with reduction, instead of disloction.Seeing a tmj specialist is advised.