* P * A * I * N *

For at least a month and a half now, I have been suffering from ear pain. I've been to the doctor and gotten antibiotics, decongestants and other things. Nothing worked. Finally I decided to look around for a solution myself and I found that my symptoms indicated a TMJ disorder. Strangely enough, when I got through to my doctor's office and told the nurse my symptoms (not mentioning TMJ at all) she spoke with the doctor who said he thought is was a TMJ problem. Hmmmm. So, now I am on an anti-imflammatory medication. I'm eating lots of soup and trying to rest my jaw, but the pain has been intense for the last couple of days and it's really exhausting.

Comments

[Melissa]

How awful! I hope your anti-inflamms work well. Sending good wishes your way!

[mzmouze]

I went through TMJ pain for 2 years and I can tell you that the thing that helped me the most was putting a HOT HOT HOT moist washcloth against the side of my face, and holding it there until the cloth cools. Good Luck!

[Pubah]

Stress stress! You've been so productive, but I'm sure there's been plenty of stress too. I'm so sorry you have having problems with this.

One other suggestion - are you going to see a dentist or orthodontist, have a mold made, and get an insert to wear when you sleep? Sometimes that can help if you are clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep. All the best with this - you will feel better!

[kim]

Oh no! I've been there. And I second the recommendation to see your dentist. Those molds are expensive, but worth every penny in pain reduction. And if you don't grind/clench your teeth, it's TMJ is still a jaw problem, and your dentist should be able to help. Good luck!

[Marta]

I send you all my wishes that you feel better soon!

[Kerstin]

I was diagnosed with TMJ in my early 20's. I haven't had a recurrence in a few years, but the last time I had it, I took an anti-inflamm around the clock for a couple of weeks until the tightness and pain subsided. It's totally stress related so Dr. Maisy prescribes lots of chillin' and knittin' time! ;)

[shobhana]

i had tmj for a while and i found acupuncture treatments to be incredibly helpful. also facial shiatsu / massage.

[Melinda]

I read your blog often, but haven't commented before :) Just wanted to tell you about an option for your TMJ. If you go to a sporting goods store, you can very cheaply buy a football mouthguard. (The kind that sort of molds to your teeth). You can wear it while you sleep and it is much cheaper than the dentist version. I fought TMJ for a long time after my braces, its awful. Hope you feel better soon!

[Jan]

Go to a dentist or orthodontist to have a mouthpiece made..you won't regret it! I've had mine for over ten years. I've worn it every night with no problems since I started using it. It is initally an investment but they last forever and are custom-made for you. Relief!!!

[JerseyGirl]

Supposedly if you put your fingers in your ears and try and open and close your jaw and feel pain, you know you have it. Additionally if you can't stick more than 2 fingers held straight into your mouth. Alot of people I have practiced yoga with went to it for TMJ. They also had the molds and quit chewing gum (some were rabid chewers) and other chewy types of food. Good luck

[JerseyGirl]

Supposedly if you put your fingers in your ears and try and open and close your jaw and feel pain, you know you have it. Additionally if you can't stick more than 2 fingers held straight into your mouth. Alot of people I have practiced yoga with went to it for TMJ. They also had the molds and quit chewing gum (some were rabid chewers) and other chewy types of food. Good luck

[Donna Boucher]

I am not a chiropractor. Have been seeing one for one year. I have a friend who had TMJ and has been completely pain free since visiting the chiropractor for this problem.

Just a thought,
Donna

[Heidi]

I have it too. I had one mold made that was just clear plastic and fit over my upper teeth. It worked really well to stop the pain (I'm a clencher, not a grinder). Then I lost it!

So I had another one made a few years later when symptoms came back. This time it was more like a retainer, with metal parts, and it fit over my bottom teeth. It has not helped at all--in fact it makes the clenching worse.

I've had a good spell but I am also thinking about trying the football mouth guard, or another one you can get for about $20 (and I heard it's only at Walmart by the toothbrushes, but haven't gone to look).

If you get a mouthpiece of some sort and it doesn't help, you may want to try one of the other types just in case.

TMJ is no fun, but it definitely goes away after a while. Take care!

[sue]

i had that happen to me too.i found acupuncture worked for me and i havent had it since.hope you get better soon