I've had TMJ for years now and I'm fed up with it. I've had to compleletly change the way I eat because of it, no chewy foods, no hard foods etc. It gets so bad at times I can't even talk and the pain radiates down my neck and shoulders. What are the treatment plans and what kind of doctor do I go see about it. My dentist just told me to eat soft foods and rest my jaw. That does nothing, some times it hurts for a solid week, so what am I supposed to do live on oatmeal for a week?
2007-07-30 02:34:58 · 5 answers · asked by yourstrulytx 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
I had to stop chewing gum and wear a mouth guard at night because I clenched my jaws. Perhaps a mouth guard would work? It did for me. No pain in a year, and I eat what i want.
2007-07-30 03:37:42 · answer #1 · answered by swissrmeman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See a doctor who specializes in ear, nose and throat. They will be the best to help you.
When the pain is really bad apply a moist heating pad to the joints for fifteen minutes, several times a day. You can also try an ice massage. Place clean tap water into a foam cup and place in your freezer until it is completely frozen. Peel back a small amount of the top of the cup and massage this onto area of pain using constant circular motion. DO NOT hold the ice in one area for more than 3 minutes since this may cause frostbite. Cold therapy should be stopped once the skin feels numb.
2007-07-30 09:46:37 · answer #2 · answered by Cherokee Billie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was just told the I also have TMJ. When I went to my oral surgeon to have my wisdom teeth out, he told me to come beak in if it startd to really cause a problem. He did not go in to treatment options, but that may be an option for you. Mine is not bad (yet...) and I fing massaging my jaw just below the ears helps a lot. Also, for the times massaging just does not cut it I take a couple of Motrin. Good luck, and I hope either some of this helps or you get some other relief soon!
2007-07-30 09:47:31 · answer #3 · answered by nxzema_grl 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A chiropractor can do an adjustment that could be helpful. Low impact chiropractors are good.
Dentists that are familiar with the reasons for TMJ can recommend plans...A mouth splint to readjust your bite and prevent grinding your teeth (especially at night), or I have known people who have had to have surgery because the TMJ caused their jaw to lock (severe cases). It is painful and you don't have to live with that pain keep searching naturopaths, osteopaths, dental schools, chiropractors, and/or massage therapists. Alternate hot and cold in the mean time.
2007-07-30 10:50:58 · answer #4 · answered by products4fitness 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i believe that massage therapy can possibly help. maybe seeing an osteopath could be your best bet.
conventional approaches will not consider these treatment options and will prescribe drugs for pain or tell you that there's nothing you can do.
i've read that it's curable. a naturopath or osteopath could be the best bet. look up these doctors if you don't know what they are.
it's not a problem you have to live with.
good luck.
2007-07-30 09:41:11 · answer #5 · answered by Mz T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋