I'm so sorry to read about your problem
ali-in-pain. It sounds like your disc is
trapped in the closed position. I'm not
a doctor or anything the like; just a
long-time tmj sufferer, so my thoughts and
recommendations only come from my
experiences. My tmj is currently under
control. So, on to my recommendations -
use lots of moist heat directly on the jaw
and neck muscles. If you notice any
extra swelling, though, stop the moist
heat and use ice for 15 minutes at a time.
Ask your doctor for a prescription of
valium or zanax to take at night when you
go to bed. You might want to consider a
muscle relaxant also for a few weeks
(zanaflex works the best for me).
And since you have an upcoming trip, I
recommend that you go to a physical
therapist or massage therapist who is
educated in tmj. If you go to pt,
ultrasound is great and then massage (i
don't recommend any type of exercises at
this time, your muscles need to relax).
Your doctor will have to give you a
referral to a pt but not for an mt.
I usually don't recommend a narcotic pain
medication since our bodies are so
different and we react differently, but we
have to get you well for your trip. I
highly recommend vicoprofen (not vicodin).
I have found it to be a god-send when my
tmj flares up. It reduces swelling with
the ibuprofen and the hydrocodone relaxes
my body like nothing else allowing my jaw
to relax. I have actually felt the
jaw(s) go back into proper position about
an hour after taking it. It is an
additive medication so it must be
carefully monitored.
Try and keep your body relaxed and free
from all stress, and watch how you hold
your neck and head (sit straight &
tall with the chin kept down.) watch that
your shoulders do not ride up and the face
(head) should not be extended out towards
a computer. Keep back and down. And
even more important is your mouth - keep
the teeth apart, relaxed, with the lips
together (or slightly apart) and the
tongue resting on the roof of your
mouth.
I hope and pray that something helps you
get that mouth open. Once you do get it
open, be extra gentle with your jaw by
eating softer foods. N.O gum or ice
chewing or anything hard or chewy (no
steak for a while).
have a safe
trip.
God bless...
Carol
