I have been suffering from TMJ for a few
years, but it has become so painful that
its time I do something about it, the
problem is, I don't know where to go from
here.
I initially saw a dentist. He wants to
make a splint, but can't guarantee it will
fix the problem (obviously.)
Next, I went to a TMJ specialist who
suggested this $5000 treatment plan of
placing a device of some kind on the side
of my tooth, and going through this 14
week plan.
Lastly, I went to an orthodontist who said
my teeth were misaligned on one side and
recommended braces. He said the
misalignment may or may not be related to
the tmj.
I just don't know how to proceed from
here. I have headaches probably 2-3 day a
week, severe popping, neck and shoulder
pain...I have to do something, but I'm
getting so many different suggestions, I
dont know how to handle it.
I feel like the braces is the way to
go...fix the alignment of the teeth and
that will fix the joint. But perhaps its
the other way around...can I just fix the
joint problem with the splint?
Anyone been through this and can recommend
how to proceed? Should I start most
conservatively? Any suggestions?
Thanks!
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catswold
Supporter
Joined: 10 Oct 2005 Posts: 404 Location: Flint, Michigan
Posted: 04-19-08 12:37pm
Almost 30 years ago I went thru a similar
situation to what you are facing now. The
only difference is that splint therapy
wasn't recommended to me by anyone until
after the braces were already on. TMJ
treatment has come a long ways, but yet,
is still not adequate. If your bite is
off, logically braces sound the way to go.
That's what I did but my pain was never
addressed so I lived in he** for 3 years
(more really). And then my bite was still
off. It was a chiropractor who performed
intra-oral massage on me that finally
broke up the 24/7 pain.
So, my recommendation to anyone who is in
constant life-altering pain is to address
the pain FIRST.
1. Physical or massage therapy (even
chiropractics even tho I'm not comfortable
with one who wants to "crack,")
2. Relaxation methods of any sort (hot
tub, yoga, therapy),
3. Medications (muscle relaxants and/or
anti-anxiety drugs and even
anti-depressants). Don't be like me and
think just because I was strong I wouldn't
take any pain meds except Tylenol. So
stupid of me. And, as I discovered years
later, it's also hard to find a doctor who
will treat TMJ pain with meds, but they
are out there.
4. Be very diligent to what you eat -
softer/liquid foods, NO caffeine, cut back
on sugar, NO smoking, NO gum or ice
chewing, take certain vitamins (Multiple
Vitamin, Super Vitamin B Complex,
Magnesium, and some people like
Glucosamine).
There is more, but this is a starter. I
don't know what the 2nd TMJ "specialist"
was suggesting with "placing a device of
some kind on the side of my tooth." It
almost sounds like Functional Joint
Orthodics. Did he mention 3 phases to the
treatment?
I personally would hold off on the braces
but would get a bite splint IF you are
grinding or clenching your teeth. A
splint will protect your teeth, balance
your bite and relieve some pressure on the
joint joints IF it is made well and
adjusted frequently at first and then
tapers off. See if you can get more info
from the $5000 plan. Don't hesitate to go
to 2 or 3 more TMJ "specialists" to get
their opinions.
Hang in there. Have your doctor refer you
to physical therapy for your neck,
shoulders, TMJ and headaches. It can give
almost instant relief of pain if the
therapist is a good one. Don't just go
for TMJ as most insurance co's won't cover
it, but if the other problems are
mentioned first, you can sneak it in
usually.
I pray that you will find the help you
need, especially relief of pain.
God bless...
Carol
