I woke up from a nap yesterday and
felt this awful dull pain at the back
corners of my mouth, where the TMJ join
is. I've been feeling it all day, and
it's so uncompfortable. Basically, what
is the most annoying part is that I cannot
find a compfortable position for my jaw
when I'm not talking or eating. It like
constantly feels tense, and like I'm
clenching it even though I'm not. Is this
TMJ?
|
catswold
Supporter
Joined: 10 Oct 2005 Posts: 404 Location: Flint, Michigan
Posted: 05-02-07 21:36pm
It sounds like one of your discs may have
slipped and is caught. Be careful at this
point. Try "dropping" or opening your jaw
with your lips together and lower jaw
relaxed (teeth apart!) And for pain and
swelling, if you are able, take
ibuprofen/motrin (up to 600 mg with food)
every 4 to 6 hours.
Even tho I don't have the greatest respect
for doctors and many dentists when it
comes to TMJ, you should go to your doctor
or dentist. They might be able to
prescribe Valium or Zanax or a muscle
relaxant for the next few weeks.
This is the tricky part, at least in my
experience. They might want to send you
for a whole bunch of tests to eliminate
anything and everything. My opinion is
that if you feel it has something to do
with your jaw, it probably is. Getting
the muscles around the joint area to relax
is essential. I would highly recommend
getting a referral to a physical therapist
who is trained in TMJ and getting there as
soon as possible.
Right now - use your mouth as little as
possible (no talking, soft or liquid
diet). Do not pop your jaw even if it
feels like you must. Use lots of moist
heat around your neck. Try ice right on
the jaw joint (in a cloth). ***Relax***
Go to nismat.org (physical therapy TMJ
page) for important information on
posture, exercises and basic information.
Stress is your biggest enemy right now.
This is all for now. If the problem
persists, find a TMJ specialist. Read the
postings to Jodester for more self-help
information. Do all the research you can.
I have found that we, the patient, has to
almost be smarter than the doctors when it
comes to TMJ.
Please take care and let us know how you
are doing.
God bless...
Carol
Last edited by catswold on 05-03-07 13:43pm; edited 1 time in total
|
Tmddyan
Moderator
Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 4349 Location: post falls, id usa
Thanks: 93
Thanked:63
Hey Posted: 05-03-07 12:38pm
hang in there. if you need help finding a
good doctor Im willing to help. There is
hope. Your disc may or may not be slipped.
They thought mine was for over a year---It
was fine.
