Mom Dealing with TMJ Problems.

Have you tried Chiropractic? It can be very helpful with jaw issues. Ask the Chiropractor if they have experience in dealing with TMJ.

My chiropractor fixed this for me. I had problems with TMJ for years, and had been seeing a chiropractor the whole time. When I switched to another chiropractor, she fixed it right up. No problems since then and it has been 6 years. If you've tried this before, try seeing a different chiropractor. I went through 3 of them before I found one who knew how to fix it (although all of them said that they knew how).

I had the same problem, but it was causing me migrane like headaches. I have been going to a chiropractor in Buford, Ga. that works on it, I can tell now when I need the adjustment before it happens. I dont have that pain any longer.I hope this helps.

Elizabeth

instead of an oral surgeon you should try an orthodontist. They are pretty skilled with tMJ. Just a suggestion!
A.

The problem may be with your dental bite as your bite may be misaligned. Dr Gene Grace & Dr Katherine Hefner treat TMJ with a neuromuscular technique which is a scientific way to measure your bite. Perhaps you should consider calling for appt.
###-###-####

Hi A.,
I did have the surgery to correct my tmj problem. I used to get headaches as my jaw used to pop (and lock) as the joint wouldn't stay together. I had a fabulous surgeon named Dr. Robert Bays. He's around Emory. I don't even like to take asprin so surgery was an enormous step. I have to say, it fixed all my issues. There are different options but I chose to have the screws put in to hold the joint together. It's been 15 years since I've had it done.
I'm not positive but I think the mouth guard may just be a short term fix (that isn't working) for a long term problem. I know how hard it is so good luck with it!!
Melissa

Hi A.,
I too have had problems with TMJ. In college my jaw locked on me and I couldn't open until I went to my dentist who basically moved my jaw around and unclenched it. Ooch! He then made a mouth piece, for about $200 or so (this was 14 years ago) I ate with it, slept with it, talked with it, etc. Then he sent me to an orthodontist who wanted to break my jaw and give me braces, very expensive... then I went and had a second opinion who said it would only help a little... and recommended I don’t do it…so I wore the mouth piece. That did the trick. After a while, I wore out the mouth piece (probably from clenching my teeth) but didn't get it replaced. I had it for a good year. I seemed fine without it for the last 13 years. Just recently, I went back to my dentist who said I was wearing out the enamel on my top front teeth. He gave me another mouth piece for about $75 to wear at night. I know that people have different responses to treatment, but I would definitely get a second opinion before surgery or jaw breaking and definitely wear the mouth piece all day long if possible and see how that works before doing something as drastic as surgery and getting something as expensive as braces.
Good luck
J.

I used to clinch my teeth together all the time. My teeth were going bad and I had all of them removed. And now I still find myself clinching my false teeth together during the day. I think we are under alot of stress to cause us to do this. LGK

HI A.!
I dealt with TMJ for years wearing a very expensive bite splint made from a periodontist!! Same thing, clenching at night & day during stress. However, I still believe til this day, mine stemmed from when I had my wisdom teeth removed. I clearly remember the dentist telling me that if I had any pain afterward, that he would send me to the periodontist for treatment! Because my mouth is so small, I really think when they propt my mouth open with the device they use, he went too far stretching & misaligned the joints in my jaw. Needless to say, I went to a periodontist for at least 3 years having my mouth piece adjusted monthly to no avail. I was still in pain some days were worst than others. I couldn't function my head jaw & head hurt so bad, my body would just shut down. While going through all of this for years, I was surrounded with Chiropractic Student Friends who tried educate my about my TMJ issues, but I was close minded because I was "scared" & "ignorant". Well, I finally gave in after a car accident & I couldn't open my mouth making the TMJ worst!! I surely didn't want surgery to "break" my jaw, so I sought out my friends who recommended me to an experienced Chiropractor immediately. (BTW, I was able to open my jaw in a matter of hours!!!)
I started getting adjusted 3x's a week, then gradually decreasing my visits to 1x a week. I was feeling wonderful!! I could eat pizza or an apple without my jaw locking up, I could chew gum!! I would wake up feeling good & healthy!! It has been 10 years since I was first treated and I now go to get adjusted 1x a week for maintenance purposes. It has probably only been a few times where I specifially had to say to my chiropractor, I think my Jaw needs to be adjusted. (ie: from stress, working out, lifting heavy items) Now that I look back, I don't know how I lived a quality life back then wearing this bite split in the evening, all day at work when I felt like my jaw was stressed, not being able to eat certain foods, having a speech challenge (lisp) because it was so large, headaches almost daily!
FYI, All 3 of my children get adjusted routinely since they were 6 weeks old! I believe in alternative healing first, but I do understand that it is sometimes required for a persons body to go the conventional route; however, it doesn't hurt to research your options first & try it out.
If you are interested in my awesome Chiropractor who has literally & still does save my life, his name is Dr. Myron Lino of Southern Healthcare Chiropractic in Marietta. Best of Health to you!

I have had TMJ for many years. I spoke w/two different dentists and finally came upon a night guard that helps. It all depends on the dentists unfortunately. Each one will recommend a different night guard. I notice that I clench my jaw more at work than at night. Try to get some aromatherapy sounds to help you relax at night. I have not as of yet had to try the oral surgery, but if my TMJ does not stop then I will have to. Just talk to you dentist and advise that it's not working and what else can he recommend besides charging you another $600 for a night guard. Good luck!

I also was suffering from TMJ caused by a vestibular disorder. I started getting accupuncture treatments for anxiety and stress and no longer suffer from TMJ. HTH!

Hi A.;

I have heard that some people with TMJ have gotten wonder results from complentary products. Give me a call and I will give you some information for you to check out to see if possable it might benefit you. My number is ###-###-#### and I live in Easley also.

S. Patton

I have been suffering for mild TMJ for several years. On top of preventing myself from clenching my teeth, the doctor also suggested two things. First, try eating soft foods only for a week or two and see if it helps things improve. No rough meats or chewy foods, but most foods are fine as long as they are cut small enough. Second, don't chew gum. I now allow myself only a piece here and there (I sometimes go months without chewing gum), and I have a lot less problems with it than I used to.

If it were me I would try something alternative. Surgery would be the last thing I would do. Alternative could be chiropractor and massage therapy, accupunture to name a couple. Just know you are not alone.

I have TMJ problems, but not as bad as what you are describing. I was referred to a TMJ specialist, but still haven't went to see him. I don't know anything about the surgery. However, have you ever tried going to a chiropractor? They can help with that some. Also, if you were ever in a car accident (I was) with impact on your head etc, it can throw things out of alignment which can cause TMJ also.

Vickie

I've been dealing with TMJ for many years. I have not had jaw surgery although I have briefly thought about it. Due to a recommendation I went to a chiropractor instead. It has helped me some but mine has gotten worse recently due to stress, I think.
I've had mouthpieces off and on for years but I've never been consitent in wearing it. Out of desperation, I recently had a new one made and started wearing it. At first it seemed like it made it worse. So I told my dentist this and he said, "well, don't wear it then," (this made me mad since I had just paid over $300 for it!) so I quit wearing it for awhile but the TMJ wasn't getting any better. Then I went back to the chiropractor and he told me I needed to wear it for the rest of my life, so I tried again I've been wearing it consitently and now the TMJ is much better.
I would have the dentist check the bite and if it is not the correct fit they need to make you a new one! I've never paid $600 for any of mine. It's always been around $300-350.

One more thing, my father in law has it and at one time he had his mouth wired shut! He said it didn't help him either. He used to get his jaw stuck too. He said he's learned to live with it and doesn't open his mouth too wide. I haven't been able to accomplish and hopefully I won't have to.

I hope this helps!
S. S

Sometimes this problem is related to stress so my suggestion would be to find the stressor in your life and seek counsel for it. Also sometimes TMJ is considered a medical problem and sometimes it is considered a dental problem but I have found in my experience of over 28 years of being in the insurance industry that most insurance carriers either don't pay for TMJ problems or pay limited benefits so check that out too.

Hi, ...yes I know a lot about TMJ, have had it myself and know others. It is partly due to your body not being able to deal with the amount of stress it receives. I know of several things that your body needs nutritionally if you are having this problem. I can seriously help you. Write if you are interested.
Sincerely,
L. B.

Hi A., Are you using cold/warm compresses on your jaw occasionally. Figure out which one helps(sometimes one will aggravate the pain). Ibuprofen usually helps for pain and swelling(but don't overdo). Try a soft food diet for about a week or 2, and don't eat anything that forces you to open your mouth wide(big hamburger, sub, lare sandwiches, hot dogs, etc) Do not eat anything crunchy or super chewy either for a week or so.

Try not to talk as much as possible-lol! Set your phone alarm for every 15-30 minutes to remind you to not clench your teeth(it will become a habit pretty quickly to remember to do a check every now and then). I clench my teeth alot when I'm driving. Don't rest your chin in your hand, and sit with good posture. Remind yourself to keep space between your upper and lower teeth throughout the day(mouth closed and teeth apart). Some tmj sufferers do not deal well with the mouth piece-it can aggravate the problem. And last of all eliminate as much stress as possible-ha, ha, ha.

I'm prayin for you girl!

L.

Hey. I have this problem too. The dentist made a mouth guard for me but i stopped wearing it. It didn't seem to help me either.
I don't know that it will work for you, but for me it helps. I have to conciously remember to unclench while i'm awake. When I feel myself getting annoyed I notice that my teeth get tighter and tighter. I have to remind myself to relax my jaw. It takes ALOT of work and concentration, but to me it is worth it to avoid the headaches. I would try ANYTHING before going to the surgery option. I know it doesnt seem to be something that will help with the night time clenching, but I was grinding at night when I was clenching during the day. The grinding has stopped completely (THANK GOD!!) and my headaches are much less frequent; although I still catch myself clenching during the day and many times while I'm laying in bed trying to fall asleep. I hope this helps. Good luck!

HI A.,

I have mild symptoms of TMJ when the stress is high, that's when I FEEL it. I take a supplement that is primarily Valerian Root. It has always been recommended for good sleep but not for the reason you might think. It does not make you sleepy, it relieves stress and allows your body to go into the deepest sleep possible. In the deepest sleep, you won't clinch your teeth, you won't snore. (I said that because a lot of moms might want to know that for their husband's, lol) You will wake up refreshed, not tired or sore.

Let me know if you want more details.

Regards,

M.

Hi, I also have TMJ and it has become more of a problem since being a mom and being more stressed. I have had to have my jaw put back in place in the ER twice and the last time I had to get put to sleep. I hate having TMJ but am very nervous about having the surgery. If I'm stressed at night I've taken something to help me sleep because that relaxes my jaw but obviously that's only a temporary fix and I don't do it often because I don't like taking medication. I try my best to do the things that don't aggrevate the problem like chewing gum. Sorry I don't have better advice for you. My mouthpiece worked for awhile but it did not make the problem go away completely. Good luck and take care.

I do not have TMJ but have had Jaw Surgery. I had to have surgery bc one side of my jaw bone grew faster then the other. Surgery went well. My mouth was wired shut for 6 weeks. I ate alot of cream of wheat, and milk shakes. I was given liquid medician to take if I needed it. Befor I had surgery I had to have my wisdom teeth pulled along with other teeth. I am not sure if any teeth would need to be pulled for TMJ. Good luck to you.

I too had TMJ and did opt for surgery - it was extremely painful and took a while to recover from... after all the pain and recovery, it helped me for a while (about 12 years - I was 16yoa at the time...) and then I was back where I started but, even worse.

I now have TMD - the D is for Disorder - as it is more extreme than TMJ. My situation requires 2 different mouth gaurds, day and night, jaw therapy (exercises, heat/cold therapy, laser therapy, and depending on the episode, sometimes realignment)....

Having said all that, I would recommmend seeking additional opinions from professionals as I fear my mistake was opting for surgery too quickly and not trying alternative ways first. I am currently treated by Atlanta ENT (http://www.atlantaent.com/jaw-facial-pain.php) and they do a great job...

Also, something else I have tried is relaxation techniques - I find the more stressed I am (whether I know it or not) the worse my TMD issues are....

Hope you find what works for you! I wish you all the luck!!

Hi A.:

I started having my chiropractor adjust my jaw area when I go in for an adjustment on my hips & back. This has worked out great for me. People do not realize that your jaw gets out of wack especially when you are clinching your teeth (stress related at least for me). It is painless. He has a hand held gadget that he adjust to the level of pressure that is needed for that area to push it back in place. You can tell the difference tremendously when your jaw gets adjusted. FYI: Going to my chiroprator has also relieved me of getting migraine headaches as well. My kids get adjusted also & they love it. Less money spent on medications. I would try this for awhile & see how it goes before you have surgery.

I am a single mom of two boys 11 & 5. I am also a Sr. Paralegal & Office Manager for a Law Firm.

A. M.

Have you thought of trying massage therapy? I have an friend that is a massage therapist, and works with several people with TMJ. She has had good results. Hope this helps.

I had TMJ issues and was told I needed braces (as my teeth were "too straight" forcing my lower jaw back when I closed my mouth). Ten years later and $3500.00, my daughters orthodontist tells me that they have changed their minds. Although the TMJ is better, they have discovered that it is the pain in your teeth (therefore, no longer grinding - even subconsiously) that helps the tmj NOT the realignment of my teeth.

A guard is not going to stop you from clenching. It will simply protect your teeth from the strain of the clenching (my teeth are full of mini cracks). The MUSCLES are what hurt and the mouth guard won't stop that.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND SURGERY!!!! I WOULD recommend an invisiline to slightly alter the alignment of your teeth. It hurts. Even when you are not wearing it. You will NOT grind your teeth anymore. Trust me, wearing my retainer once a month, taking a tylenol for the discomfort caused, and NOT having the TMJ lock-ups and pain is WELL WORTH the cost AND the discomfort!!!

If that is a picture of you on the side here, you have beautiful teeth! I WOULD consult an orthodonist!! REALLY!!

Good luck!!!

Hi A., I feel and have felt your pain literally. I've had three jaw surgeries, back when I was in the military, and I understand your fears. Twice wired shut and the second with bands. The suregeries were all a bit rough-my husband would always joke with me that I'd probably set off a metal detector-check points at the airports =) I've had a metal plate and 16 pins/screw placed in my palate. You'd never know by looking at me before, or now, what I was experiencing with the pain. I no longer have the lock jaw-which is nice but my bite doesn't touch completely touchdown on my molars on one side. I realize everytime they went in it was down to the milimeter trying to "fix me". My pain and aching and headaches/neck aches from this, as well as lock jaw, has gone away. But there are other, more minor things, I still deal with. The constant need to crack/click one side-maybe you feel this too once your able to unlock. Really, I would look at the expertise your entrusting before doing the surgery. It's not going to be a cure all/end all. But it could be relief to the more major symptoms you may be experiencing. Be sure to see how many of these corrective surgies the oral surgeon has performed. Maybe even get a second opinion. If I were to do it again-I would. But, every person's experience varies, and I had reached my limit of living with the pain, I'd rather live with a couple annoyances. =)

I am a dental hygienist, so I know a little about this situation. I would suggest returning to the oral surgeron to re-evaluate the of the guard. The guard is designed to keep the teeth in the least stressful position as well protecting the teeth from wear and tear, but if you are feeling owrse after wearing it, it may be an improper fit. The guard should be made of a hard clear acrylic exterior and preferably a soft lining which when heated forms a wonderful seal around the teeth. It should also be an upper appliance. If this doesn't sound familiar, maybe a second opinion would be helpful I would suggest Karl Heinzelmann in Roswell, GA, he a periodontist not an O.S., but he is very experienced with proper guard placement. I used to work for him and his patients were very happy with their guards and improvement was almost miraculous. It would not hurt to also see a chiropractor experienced with helping TMJ disorder. They may be able to relax the area which may be increasing the pressure on the joint. Hope this helps. KIm

A.,
I sent my mom your question as she's had the same problems for over 20 years. Here's her response:

Tell her I have worn a jaw splint since 1986 for the same issue. Dr. Boggess has switched me to the smaller splint NTI which fits over my two front teeth and pulls my jaw more forward. This splint has helped dramatically. I have to take a muscle relaxer sometimes when the discomfort gets a little out of control but most times I can deal with it by just taking ibuprofen or something. The important thing is to keep the inflamation of the joint to a minimum. She should never consider surgery.

I hope this can help.

M.

Hey A.!
I just wanted to let you know that my friend Nikki goes to a massage therapist here in the Irmo area to get help with her back problems. I'm not sure if she (Karen) would have any experience helping people with TMJ, but I would be glad to ask her for you. If it's something Karen could possibly help you with, maybe you could start getting massages on Tuesdays before your MK meetings.
Love you!
J.

A friend of mine has terrible TMJ problems with Chronic pain every day and she had surgery and DON'T have surgery. It made it worse and she is now on pain meds all the time to manage the pain from the surgery. I would go to a specialist who deals in TMJ and ask about physical therapy or even botox can help some people with this problem.

Hi A.!

I have TMJ. I actually have it a bit worse than TMJ but I forget what the orthodontist calls it. My dentist suggested that I see Dr. Dirkus (I think this is the proper spelling) for my problem.
Like yourself, I was jaw clenching and did get the mouth piece. However, the clenching went away after about six months. I have not clenched since.
For me, I had to look at what the doctors were saying and evaulate their "emergency" stance they took. For instance, Dr. Dirkus told me that my jaw would have fallen apart by now. I was diagnosed about eleven years ago!! My jaw has not had any issues since; some clicking but that is it.

I guess I would suggested having a second and third opinion and try ortho prior to any surgery. I don't think surgery is always the answer.

Good luck to you.

A.- I am 27 years old now and have been diagnosed with TMJ since I was around 10. My dentist and orthodontist have worked together to make things as comfortable as possible for me. The mouthpiece takes a while to get used to, and also has to be adjusted a good bit in the beginning. You should not have pain from using it. If you do- or if you feel your jaw is locking up- you need to have it readjusted. Explain exactly what you told us to your dentist or ortho (whoevers been doing your mouthpiece) Both my dentist and orth recommend the break your jaw surgery for me, and I know its worth it. I know a lot of people who have had it, and it has made a big difference for them in the amount of jaw pain and migraines they get. (I also get migraines from my TMJ issue to the point of needing medicine to knock me out almost) Although I have yet to have the surgery myself- I will. The concern is that you are probably bruising your teeth, and at some point they will start breaking. This is not an issue to put off indefinitely. My main issue is vanity- first there was an impending wedding, and now years later I'm pregnant at 27 and look like I'm barely 18- so I'm waiting a few more years.
However, these other two options are great- try the rubberized mouth guards you can get in stores like Walgreens, maybe Walmart, etc. THese are great cause they will cushion your teeth (are way less expensive) although they will not CORRECT the problem. They just really help manage the problem. Also, the more you wear your mouthpiece (during the day and not just at night- try it in the car, getting ready in the morning, watching tv at night) the better it will work for you. And ibuprophen, advil or aleve before you go to bed are always helpful. Stay away from gum and other major chewing items for a while. Good luck though. Just remember that they can not do surgery (or shouldn't) until you get your jaw set (with the mouthpiece) into a comfortable resting position for a while. They need your muscles and everything else to be as ?un-tight? (new word) as possible to help permanently place your jaw in the correct position if they break it and move it. It also will help you have minimal pain during recovery.
Good luck and let us know what happens.
TMJ is not fun.

I had tmj problems several years ago and my dentist made a retainer that I had to wear a night too. The trick to the tmj getting well was to take 2 Advil every 8 hrs. for 3 days in a row or until you see some relief. Sometimes mine acts up and I go on advil for 3 days straight and it goes away. Good luck

I don't really have any advice other than to say I agree with avoiding the surgery. I know of someone who had it and has more problems.

A.,
I am a chiropractor that deals with this in my office all of the time with patients. If you would like for me to look at it and explain what we may be able to do to get rid of it for good, please do not hesitate to call. Please take a look at our web page and give us a call once you decide.
Many blessings,
Dr. Heather Wyant
www.acfamilychiro.com

Hello-- I was watching tv last night and saw something about TMJ. The show was Dr. 90210 (the plastic surgery show)There was a lady who was suffering from TMJ and she recieved botox in the jaw to losen it up. After the injections she was able to place 3 fingers in her mouth where before she could only get one. She will have to go back and have the injections again but they should last longer each time. I don't know how you feel about botox...I have not used it before but I have 4 and 6 year old girls. I don't even want to think about the kind of stress they will bring me as teenagers. hope this helps.

D.

Hey A. H.
I work for a dentist and we see a lot of it. He does refer to Dr. Phillip Koch in Gainesville. You may want to get a second opinion. I am also a Mary Kay Consultant. I love it.

Hello, I am a dental hygienist and have TMJ issues. From my experience, any good TMJ appliance will need several adjustments to truly fit properly and place your jaw in the right position. If you live in the Greenville area, I know there are several dentist that help specialize in these problems. Smaller areas sometimes do not have very specialized dentists.
J.

I have the same problem. Someone I know is an occupational therapist and she gave me a packet of exercises to do that has done more good than any thing. They relieved the pain in my jaw and ear.

good luck
S.

Bless your heart! I have also had my jaw lock on several occasions. I put a hot washcloth on it and got it to close. My jaw is much better now. I think it was the way I was sleeping on it at night. I try to sleep on my back now and it was hard because I enjoy sleeping on my stomach. I think it put too much pressure on my jaw joint. It is much improved... I hope yours clears up also. My dentist told me that sometimes it resolves itself.

L. in Flowery Branch

I was diagnosed with TMJ years ago and found that the expensive mouthpiece never did much for me. I did have my teeth filed down in the back because a big part of the problem was that my teeth were making contact only in the back and it put so much pressure on just two points. Afterwards I found I did much better and never had to have the surgery. I've also found that relaxing my back (massages by my husband, hot showers, stretching, etc.) has helped when I get headaches. It took me many years to make that connection, the doctor/dentist never mentioned it. And the last thing I found that helps, contrary to what the dentist will tell you, is chewing on something like gum or a Twizzler. I found that it loosened the muscles and helped me relax my jaw, but for many people chewing just makes things worse.

Good luck!

Hi! I am 42 years old, and have had this wonderful TMJ problem for many years. I go to a chiropractor, they have this little thing to adjust your jaw back in place....WONDERFUL! I would give it a try before surgery.

S.

I also have TMJ....But mine is not nearly as bad as your TMJ. I've had TMJ for years. The jaw would lock open and pop, but it did not hurt until recently. When I went to my regular dentist, he gave me a low dose of muscle relaxers to take at night until my night guard arrived. This actually kept me from biting down so hard and grinding my teeth. It also helped to take the inflamation out of my jaw.I now wear the night guard and that has totally taken my pain away. (I hate wearing the thing because it is so darn thick and I can not talk). I wish that I could give you more information, but I do not know of anything else to tell you. I know that TMJ can be caused by stress also.
Good Luck,
C.

I had the surgery over 10 years ago and have not regretted it. No more waking up and not being able to open my mouth and horrible headaches. You do have rehab just as you would with most other surgeries. I still wear the mouth piece at night because I do grind my teeth in my sleep and don't want to end up with worn down little nubs. I would suggest using the least invasive (mouth piece) first before progressing with surgery, simply because every surgery carries risks. I think that it helps greatly to realize that you are clenching your teeth and stopping that. Unfortunately what damage is done is already done. It's just a matter of how much you can tolerate. Anyway, given the choice, I would have the surgery again.

This might seem like a silly question, but how thick is your bed pillow? A couple of years ago, I was going through the exact same thing. I tried everything! I don't even know what prompted me to change my pillow, but I had two stacked and took away one and haven't had the problem since! Hope this helps....

I have issues with my jaw too. The way you sleep makes a huge difference. TMJ'ers should always sleep on their back. I found that rolling a small towel and putting it under my neck helps. Also, use a very flat pillow, if any, under the head. Next put a body pillow under your knees, letting your feet fall loosely to the outside of your body. This makes a huge difference!

find someone that does TMJ massage. it works wonders!

A.,
My name is C. Kittson and I am a National Sales Director with Mary Kay. A unit member did the tree planting for me and I received this newsletter today and saw your name and what you did and just wanted to say HI. My children were 2 and 5 when I started. They are now 23 and my daughter is 26 and a Future Executive Director. Great way to rasie your children.
I hope someone will respond to you with the information you requested.
Good luck with your Mary Kay.
C. Kittson

Hi A., I too have suffered with TMJ off and on. Stress brings it out in me and I grind my teeth at night during those times as well. My husband was a massage therapist and yoga instructor for a long time before he went to medical school. He taught me a great yoga stretch for the jaw that works every time for me. Last summer I thought I was going to have to have a root canal because my tooth and jaw ached so much. It turned out to be TMJ and when I did my exercises for a week it went away. I was so releived! I hope I can explain this well enough for you to get the benefits from it that I do. First roll your eyes toward the ceiling and hold that gaze. While you are doing this stick out your tongue as far as you can toward your chin and stretch your bottom jaw down as far as you can. As it relieves the TMJ you will be able to open your mouth further. It looks crazy...sounds crazy but for me it has worked! I used to get cranial sacrial (sp?) work done (which I loved) and inner mouth massage for this problem. The inner mouth massage was very painful and I'm not sure if massage therapists here are legally allowed to do inner cavity massage but it too worked well. But neither worked as well as this simple exercise. Both were much more expensive and I had to find sitters---doubling the stress! Good Luck, if this helps let me know, J.

I have the same problem, but unfortunately, no solutions. I'm picking up my mouth piece from the dentist this week and am a little disheartened to hear that it made things worse for you. Yikes! My jaw has popped for years and just recently it began to hurt like heck.

In her book, YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE, Louise Hay says the probable (spiritual/metaphysical) cause of TMJ is anger, resentment, and a desire for revenge. The affirmation and new thought pattern to focus on is: I am willing to change the patterns in me that created this condition. I love and approve of myself. I am safe.

**Oral Massage therapy really does help! These specialist usually work in the same office as oral malliofacial surgeons. Dont't worry, they will not pressure you to get sudgery.

**Here are some TIPS that worked for me during therapy**
(Try these exercises at least 3 times a day)

**Stop chewing gum for a while - this over works the muscles surrounding the TMJ joint.

**Do not use your shoulder to hold the phone to your ear.

**Place a wooden popsicle stick flat accross your back bottom teeth and rotate your jaw in a circular motion against the stick. The stick helps to properly align your joints while the circular motion relaxes the muscle.

**Place the tip of your tounge on the roof of your mouth-near the middle and move your jaw up an down (about 1 inch) not wide open.

**Try a B-Complex vitamin with each meal (natural stress buster and muscle relaxer)

Be patient with yourself, healling this joint is a gradual process, but it WILL get better.

Hang in there,
Christina

A., I have the same $600 mouth piece. I used to work for a orthodontist, and knew a lot of Dentists, one of them suggested I get a football mouthguard instead. Just a few dollars at the sporting good store. I ended up getting a child one b/c the others were too big. You boil it in hot water and mold it to your teeth. Because it is made out of rubber your jaw doesn't lock up as bad or at all. The hard kind are worse for you. Also, I work for a Chiropractor and we have several patients that have the same TMJ. If you are interested let me know.We offer a free consult. Hope this helps!
Johna

Hi A.
I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling with TMJ - my best advice would be to find an Upledger trained cranio-sacral therpaist who will have you sorted in no time at all. I live in the Uk so i'm not sure what the USA website would be but i'm sure if you put upledger into google or any other search engine you'd fine something helpful. Make sure the therapist is qualified and done sveral of the levels - i would suggest that they would need to be trained to SER1 at least but call head office and ask their advice for more details.
CST is the most gentle of therapies and has worked wonders for me - though i've not had TMJ - i'm pretty sure it helped me get pregnant. I know upledger CST will almost certainly help you. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions about it.
J.

You might try 400 mg of ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) in the mornings when you are having pain and inability to open your jaw. It is an antiinflammatory which may reduce the inflammation enough to make it more comfortable for you. I have only had one flare up with TMJ, and it was horrible. The doctor put me on Prednisone to deal with the inflammation, and after taking it for a week or 10 days (I can't remember which) I was fine. I haven't had anymore problems yet, but I dread it if I do. But I also have fibromyalgia, and I take muscle relaxants on a daily basis, so that may have something to do with it. Since it is severe, you might consider asking your doctor for a prescription antiinflammatory. I hope you get better, because the one attack I had was enough to make a believer of me.

A.,
I have had jaw surgery before, it wasnt for TMJ but I can tell you to definatly take another route if at all possible! I have had problems with grinding my teeth at night and noticed that it increases with stress. I tried a simple mounth gaurd (for sports) that I got from Walmart and it worked wonders. I would also suggest seeing a Chiropractor. They can do wonders for TMJ problems:)
Best of luck!

Hi! I started with TMJ over 21 years ago. I was in high schhol when it started. I wore a mouth piece all day and night for 6 months and my jaw manipulated open during that time. However about 10 years later my jaw locked again. I did not have the jaw "pain" like most people have with TMJ I actually locked open to where I could open my mouth to 1 finger length. I fould out about a TMJ doctor about an hour away form my hometown. I went to see him and he started me on therapy treatment and made me a mouth piece to wear all the time. After many different therapies and exercises with my jaw for over 6 months he determined that I needed surgery. I had arthiscopic surgery first and then had 6 months of exercises with my jaw and that did not work either.
Finally, I had the complete TMJ surgery on one side of my jaw and it worked! I had a long recovery but at the time my husband and I had no children so I was able to have the time to rest and recourprate. I suggest that you look into alternate ways of treatment before thinking about surgery.
I wish you all the best and I hope you find releif soon. It is a condition that not only makes you feel miserable but it is hard to explain to others how bad you really feel. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

Hi
there are a lot of alternatives to surgery. Try a specialized massage therapist. Or accupuncture. I suffered from tmj for quite some time and i finally got to the source of my stress ( a bad boyfriend) and i verbally let it all go. and when i was done with him and the relationship, my tmj went away. I never had the locked jaw again. nearly everyone grinds at night, and there is not much you can do for that. but perhaps some relaxation techniques before you go to sleep might help.
yoga is a powerful thing as well.

hope this helps
D. ( massage therapist , business owner , single mom of 2 under the age of 3)

I have TMJ also. I went to the dentist several years ago because I had had a migraine for FOUR STRAIGHT WEEKS! Her said, "oh yeah! You have TMJ!" He made a mouth piece for me too and ON THE WAY HOME my headache went away!!! They used to make the mouthpieces that fit in your whole mouth, but you could still clinch your jaws with those. See about the one that fits over just your 2 front teeth. That is the one that I used. I haven't used it in years, but I don't really have a problem with clinching anymore. With the help of the mouthpiece I trained my body not to do it anymore. Good luck!