Suffering w/ TMJ any pain management suggestions?

Question

I was diagnosed with TMJ when I was 13 years old, and am now 30. I went through 4 years of orthodontic work, and it gave me temporary relief from the pain.

Over the last 10 years, the pain came back, and keeps getting worse. Now it's to the point that I can feel my jaw pop out of place on a regular basis, and many days it hurts to even eat or talk. The pain has become so bad that some days I can't even funtion. Over the counter pain medicine is a joke, and does not even help at all. I have tried prescription pain medicine, it takes care of the pain but leaves me in a drugged state where I can't function - so that's not a great option. Any ideas, what has helped others???

By the way, I am a single mom and do not have insurance. So going to a specialist, etc. is not an option.

Answer 1

I can only tell you what helps with me...First I did have a splint made to wear at night even though I have never grinded my teeth. I stay away from gum, chewy foods (bagels, tough meat...get the picture) Next pain meds do not work, when mine gets really bad I take an anti-inflamtory which helps releave some pain. I have TMJ on both sides which also has given me TMJ related migraines. Sometimes I use ice packs and that will at times give it some relief as well. Best thing I can suggest is try everything until you find something that helps. Last suggestion I can make is if you contact a community college in your area sometimes they will take you to help train their Oral Surgeons that were doing their clinicals (I know a few people that did that) and you are still overseen by someone with a great deal of experience.

Answer 2

Ortho treatment has been shown to not improve or make worse tmj problems. You can see a dentist and he can make you an occlusal splint...it is basically a plate that covers your teeth and you wear it most of the time so that is helps to relocate your joint in the socket. It relvies symptoms.

Another major cause of tmj probs is stress and perhaps try and review your lifestyle if there are any stresses that you think might be causing this.

Conservative and symptomatic treatment is always best for tmj problems. you can also try ice packs or heat treatment on the joint an muscle areas.

Answer 3

Well, even a single mom can afford a single visit to a chiropractor's office. It is prefer to find someone who does craniosacral work but not required. Good percentage of chiropractors can treat TMJ and it only requires few visits at the most. I'd rather not go over technique here as it is very settle and could be very uncomfortable to perform. Just call local chiro and ask if they treat TMJ or as other people with TMJ for referral.

Answer 4

Don't sleep on your sides. Relax your jaw before bed and wear a night guard for bruxism. Don't chew gum or hard candy or ice. Learn relaxation techniques; yoga, meditation, hot baths, etc. Don't take pills, that will create a bad habit. Deal with your problems, don't think about them and grind your teeth. If all that fails, make an appointment with an orthodontist to see if your bite has shifted significantlly, that could cause pain.

One more suggestion, get some insurance, even if it is for catastrophic medical. It is crazy to not have insurance these days, you could lose everything if you have a serious illness.

Answer 5

1. Try wearing a mouth plate when you sleep. It stops you from closing your teeth i.e. prevents you from clenching/grinding. You can get it from your dentist or (cheaper option... you get one at the drug store.)
2. I know you have no $, but spending a little on treatment might save you from all the money you're spending on painkillers. And will provide more relief.
Try to find a specialist (at a pain relief clinic) who will give you "nerve blocks". The pain will go away completely for up to 12 hours at first. After a few sessions, it is possible that you could be cured.
Other options could be chiropractic, acupuncture or craniosacral therapy.

Answer 6

STAR,
IF YOU HAVE BEEN/ARE A GUM CHEWER, THIS HAS A BIG PART OF THE REASONS WHY THE TMJD SYMPTOMS OCCUR. BRUXISM (CLENCHING, ESPECIALLY WHILE SLEEPING) IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF TMJD.