Anyone have experience with this? Who did you see that helped you with it?
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I don't know about where you are, but in Ontario there are a lot of physiotherapists who specialize in TMJ issues. That would be my go-to.
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@mediagirl: I have really bad tmj. Valerian root helps to relax the muscles. I also sleep only on my left, avoid certain pillow positions, see a dentist that specializes in tmj, avoid cold (my jaw gets worse in cold!), avoid lots of chewing...
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@PermaStudent: in the states. But thank you!
@Greentea: I was thinking my next step would be to find a specialist. How did you find yours? -
@mediagirl: I found mine through a commercial. I have to pay out of pocket but I needed someone who was aware. I used to hate going because I can't open my mouth very far. My jaw still has issues I just manage it.
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I had really, really bad TMJ for years. I tried everything and the only thing that worked in the end was Botox injections into the jaw muscles. It was a miracle worker for me!
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Getting braces helped with my teeth alignment.
It's not as bad anymore. When it's bad, I rub it to keep it in place.
I'm also doing accupunture so that also could have helped.
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I know I need to get a mouth guard (have been putting it off for no good reasons except I'm dreading it) because I grind my teeth and have TMJ. I know it will progressively get worse and the idea of jaw surgery someday sounds super scary so I know I need to get the mouth guard from my dentist. I've had my jaw locked open a few times (mainly at the dentist) and it was scary. Sounds like some good suggestions here.
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I had lock jaw that normally released itself after so many hours till one day it stayed permanently locked. I had to see an oral surgeon to have it surgically unlocked. That was fun.
Prior to surgery, we tried a mouth guard to try and relax my jaw muscles but no dice. I know excess chewing irritates it (chewing gum, tacky candy like laffy taffy, chewy meat, etc.).
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There are physical therapists in the US that specialize in TMJ. Your dentist might have a referral. You can also try calling a few local PT clinics and ask if they have anyone on staff, or know of anyone, that can help you.
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I have TMJ and it sucks. Mouth guards just make it worse for me. I don't grind my teeth, I clench them and the mouth guards just irritate me so I clench down harder on them. Honestly the only thing that really has helped is when it gets bad I do a couple nights of taking a Xanax before bed and I'm relaxed enough that I don't clench.
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I had a bad flare up of TMJ in college. I thought i was getting it again, but it turns out that I just had a really messed up neck and had to see a chiropractor for it.
For me, muscle relaxers and ibuprofen were the most helpful.
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I used to wear a professionally fitted mouth guard at night - it helped a lot. Now I just wear my Invisalign retainer - same idea, it allows your jaw to rest in the proper place overnight
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@mediagirl: For me I could never wear a mouth guard that would be a nightmare. And I stay away from gum or anything I have to forcefully use my jaw on. I also massage when it gets bad. I click my jaw regularly (but that needs to be done to keep mine from locking). Also I have a pinched nerve on that side in my shoulder so I try to keep it stretched out- it seems to be all connected when the muscles get tense. Heat pad! I also used to use a heat pad when I became pregnant and wanted to avoid valerian root.
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I figured I would update this post now that I have seen a specialist. I have gone through the initial stages of evaluation and I have issues with both joints in my jaw. My doctor is sending my info to my insurance so we'll see if anything is covered (probably not) and then we're going to talk about getting me fitted for a device that will help pull my jaw out and back into place.
The mouthguard my dentist fitted me with (after some testing on my part) appears to make the problem worse. That's $500 down the drain.
@MamaMoose: same. I clench and the mouthguard just makes it worse.
@Alivoo01: omg OW! You had to have it released by an oral surgeon?? Ugh. Do you still have issues?
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@mediagirl: Yikes the mouthguard made it worse?? I was diagnosed with TMJ a couple weeks ago (although I've known I had it for years) and they wanted me to get a night guard, which was going to cost 300$. I've been wavering on getting it, but holy cow, if it can make it worse... Good luck with the new device!
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@Bookish: yeah. I've been to see 3 specialists now (doing my due diligence by getting second opinions) and another dentist. The dentist suggested fixing or getting a new mouthguard. All three specialists said mouthguards make it worse but your average dentist doesn't know that.
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@mediagirl: If I move my jaw a certain way, it makes loud "crunchy" noises at the joints. And if I chew too much, it gets really sore/tired. Otherwise, no problemos!
Good luck with everything!!
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