neck pain , pain in my jaw that shoots into my ears Posted: 07-11-07 03:15am
Ok, I have TMJ. I am absolutely at my
breaking point. I have severe neck pain,
HORRIBLE pain in my jaw that shoots into
my ears and temples. I CANNOT stand it
anymore. My current insurance will not
cover anything to do with TMJ, however, I
am getting new insurance on 8/1. I got a
new job and took a pay cut just to get
better insurance the only problem is that
I work 12 hour shifts rotating days and
nights throughout the week as a 911
operator (which requires me to talk alot).
I am doing everything I can do to get
through the day with this pain. I also
have arthritis in my jaw. I just started
going to a pain management doctor and I
don't think he quite understands how bad
it is. I have to take pain meds all day,
everyday just to function. The headaches
and pain are UNBEARABLE. And I mean
UNBEARABLE. I had a splint made a few
years ago but my jaw is moving (or
something like that) so much that the
splint hurts me now to wear it. I am only
39 and this has taken over my life. I
don't go anywhere, and am becoming very
withdrawn b/c of the constant pain. I
really think I need surgery to correct it
but now I am afraid of taking the time off
from my new job. I just can't win for
losing. I have no faith in doctors
anymore. What do I do, and where do I go
from here?
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Tmddyan
Moderator
Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 4349 Location: post falls, id usa
Thanks: 93
Thanked:63
Hey Posted: 07-11-07 12:32pm
first welcome to the board. second go see
a neuromuscular dentitst. ---most
insurance wont cover tmd. but this will
help.
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catswold
Supporter
Joined: 10 Oct 2005 Posts: 404 Location: Flint, Michigan
Posted: 07-11-07 21:44pm
Hi Amyjo,
It's sad to read your story as it sounds
too much like me at your age (read my
Sticky: TMJ if interested). You probably
are not going to like what I have to
write, sorry, but because of our
similarities I feel I should give my
opinion from my experience - it may be
necessary for you to totally change your
job and lifestyle. I'm referring to your
job where you must talk all day for 12
hours (8 hours is just as bad). And not
only talk, but handle very stressful types
of telephone calls.
The only times my TMJ has been completely
pain-free over the last 27 years were when
I had low-stress, no-talking jobs. This
has happened twice, the most recent time
started in January 2006 when I transfered
from a job (which I loved) that was
extremely stressful and required me to
talk all the time to my current no-stress,
little-talking (and not quite so exciting)
job for which I am very grateful.
Yes, there are other ways to try and
manage the symptoms and pain, but these
two times were my only extended periods of
time when I felt like a human being.
I also wanted to mention that depending on
what state you live in and your insurance
company, you may or may not have TMJ
coverage. I am blessed that Michigan Blue
Cross does have limited TMJ insurance. My
splints have all been covered but physical
therapy seems only to be covered when my
neck pain (arthritis) is also included in
the diagnosis (which, by the way, only
started to hurt a few hours/days after my
TMJ first flared up).
I'm sorry to give you such "bad news," but
remember, this is only my opinion from my
experiences. You should try other types
of TMJ specialists (such as neuromuscular
and FJO, etc.) It is very difficult to
find TMJ specialists who are truly good,
in my experience, and it's rare to find a
pain doctor who understands the pain. Ask
the pain doctor if he knows how a slipped
disk feels like in a back or a knee. Then
explain that the pain source is so close
to your eyes, nose, throat, ears and major
nerves and arteries, and that it affects
all of them, and he/she might start to
grasp a little bit of what TMJ pain is
like. Don't expect him to, though.
I hope and pray that you will find the
help you need.
God bless...
Carol
