TMJ Disorder

Question: TMJ Disorder? Its well know that TMJ disorder can cause pain in the neck, shoulder, and arm. But couldn't cause pain in the lower back and the legs along with the other symptoms ?

Answer: I have not heard of any instances of TMJ disorders cause pain down to your arm but I guess it is possible. Figure that your jaw can cause neck pain. We then hold our neck in positions to try to alleviate the pain which can then put our neck out of alignment. When our neck goes out of alignment this can cause our spine to adjust accordingly so that it corrects for a level line of vision. Your lower back spine will curve for this adjustment and can then cause pain in your hips and legs. Think of it like this. When you spine is straight nothing is getting "pinched" or compressed which causes the pain. I was never a believer in chiropractic care because of my fear of the adjustments. Earlier this year I had my first back trouble resulting in spasms. I went to see a chiropractor because the pain was unbearable. She took x-rays of my entire spine with view from front and side. You could see the curving of the spine in my lower back and neck. I went for adjustments a couple of times a week for a couple of weeks then down to 1 time per week for a couple of weeks until it was corrected. I haven't had to go back but now know that it may be something I will need to do again once the small pains start. If you are in pain, it may be something to check out. good luck

Question: TMJ disorder? I think i might have TMJ disorder. Does anyone have this? What is the pain like? When i open my mouth all the way it's like my jaw slips out of place. I have a horrible headache and my jaw feels really tight.

Answer: I worked with a woman who has this & its very painful for her. Days off work, painkillers.... However, she is finding much relief in receiving cranio-sacral therapy and chiropractic treatments. She says she wished this knowledge had been available to her years ago.

Question: Is surgery for TMJ disorder risky? What else can be done if surgery is not an option? I am being referred to oral surgery for my TMJ disorder to be assesed. I am not in any pain other than headaches around the eyes and clicking noises when I turn my head left and right. I have read that surgery should only be considered if the pain is very bad. Should I try and stay away from the surgery option? Do these steroid injections work well? Thanks.

Answer: Surgery on the TMJ (the most complicated joint in the human body), should be only considered as a last resort when much more conservative procedures are tried first. I have seen some result in the patient being much worse off and becoming a dental cripple. Please get a second opinion from a dentist who deals with and treats a lot of TMJ disease. Most often he will be better than an orthodontist or an oral surgeon. Good luck.

Question: Can TMJ Disorder cause pain and pressure behind the eyes? I was recently diagnosed with TMJ Disorder. I have constant pain and pressure behind the eyes, and blink a lot because of those symptoms. I had a Orbit MRI and a Orbit CT Scan done, in the past, and the results had come normal/negative for both tests.

Answer: I think it may, my mom is diagnosed with it too. She gets headaches (with pressure behind the eyes) ALL THE TIME.

Question: Can TMJ Disorder cause pain behind the eyes? I have had several MRIs and CT Scans done, but no abnormalities were found. I was recently diagnosed with TMJ Disorder.

Answer: No..TMJ as the definition goes is the Temporo Mandibular Joint.It connects the lower jaw(mandible) with the skull.So you see this is a joint and is related only to the skeletal and muscular system.So pain isn't really caused BEHIND or INSIDE the EYE.But the pain can radiate around the eye socket (the orbit) and that isn't behind the eye, it is on your face.Check out the image from the link below--- http://www.contemporarysmiles.com.au/images/tmj_1.jpg After seeing the images you may relate your TMJ problem to your eye and find out that no pain is caused behind or inside the eye. Hope I helped..

Question: Has anyone have TMJ disorder and how have you treated it? I have TMJ disorder and I am thinking about doing neuromuscular dentistry for it. Wondering if anyone has ever tried this and how it worked if you have? If not, what other methods has anyone tried to relieve the pain?

Answer: I have had TMJ basically my whole life. The past few years, I saw a specialist because it was interfering with my life. He gave me a splint which I wore all the time at first then gradually worked to only wearing it at night. He also filed some of my teeth, and filled in some others, to make my jaws fit together better. When the pain was bothering me, I would go to physical therapy including hot, cold, and ultrasound technology. Also, I had to give up chewing gum, although other chewy things are alright. All in all, my jaw is better, but in fixing the TMJ, the specialist destroyed my bite. It was very good before the treatment, and now I can hardly get my teeth to fit together.

Question: Should I get braces to help my TMJ Disorder? I am 28 years old and have had problems with TMJ for about five years now. I also suffer from fibromyalgia. My tmj has improved but I still have problems. My dentists has agreed to specially allow me to pay only 300 down and 150.00 a month until I've paid about 3800.00. My husband isn't crazy about the idea. Then there is the pain associated with the braces to consider. Not to mention the money.

Answer: No. Braces often cause TMJ in a small percentage of patients. Why on earth would you want to risk trying to get rid of it with braces. THe odds are agaist success. With TMD(TMJ) the less you agrevate the condition the slower it progresses. Treatment of the symptoms is the usual route for care.

Question: Can TMJ Disorder cause eye muscle strain? I have had several MRIs and CT Scans done, but no eye abnormalities were found. I was recently diagnosed with TMJ Disorder, though.

Answer: TMJ causes ear aches, head aches, eye strain, facial pain under the eye above the cheeks. It's an extremely dibilitating disorder if you don't treat it seriously. 1. No food where you open your mouth like an apple, corn on the cob, huge hamburger, etc. 2. Avoid crunchies like popcorn, corn nuts, nuts, raw vegetables/hard fruit. 3. Don't use heat compress only cold OR IT'LL THROB! gOOD lUCK.

Question: Does anyone on this board have TMJ disorder? Does anyone on this board have TMJ disorder that is so bad it has caused lumps underneath your ears that seem to be attached to the jaw?

Answer: I agree with Christy N. This may be a sign of infection. I recommend making an appointment with your physician or dentist as soon as possible. There are other more serious problems this could potentially be. You need to rule these out and continue seeking the help of a practitioner with experience treating TMJ problems. Common symptoms of TMJ problems are pain in the face, head, or neck; migraines, popping/clicking in the TMJ, limited mouth opening, clinching/grinding of teeth, facial numbness, a congested feeling in your ear, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) as well as some less common symptoms. If indeed these are TMJ related, or you have any of these symptoms I recommend a fellow Bioesthetic dentist. You can find one at the link below. We have taken over 200 hours of continuing education regarding this problem. I hope this helps.

Question: How common is nausea and when is it typically observed in TMJ disorder/disease? I would think if this is present, it may be a function of vertigo. But, I'm not sure *when* this would occur and how typical it is? Is this something typically seen in severe cases? Dependent on what factors? I know I've asked a couple Q's, here, but any insight, at all, really, is appreciated. Thanx, everyone :-). Thanx for the info, blue. About, what *I* should do? It was neither implied nor stated that this was a personal Q.

Answer: May I Suggest a MRI, I Don't Think it is the Cause of the Nausea.

Question: Can TMJ disorder cause stiffness and pain in the jaw joint? I awoke with jaw pain and chewing is very painful. Is this temporary? What can I do to make the pain stop. I can't eat regular food, but thankfully it only hurts when I chew or turn my head.

Answer: TMJ disorders do not normally appear suddenly. There is usually a history of clicking or popping or headaches. You may have just temporarily dislocated you jaw in your sleep. Regardless, you should see a dentist that knows about TMJ. Do not go to an oral surgeon or traditional orthodontist.

Question: Can TMJ Disorder cause blurry vision? Also, can TMJ Disorder compress certain blood vessels and nerves? Please respond. Thank you very much.

Answer: In some cases you may also suffer with photophobia or light sensitivity. A dislocated TMJ may produce pain in and behind the eye, which can cause sensitivity to light. Blurred vision and eye muscle twitching are possible extreme TMJ symptoms.

Question: Can a MRI of the Temporomandibular Joint be beneficial for someone who has TMJ Disorder? For example, can a MRI of the Temporomandibular Joint area check for nerve and blood vessel compression? I know that there are nerves and blood vessels located behind the Temporomandibular Joint, and if the condyle compresses those nerves and blood vessels, that can cause a lot of problems for the person who has this condition.

Answer: An MRI would not help. There are other tests that can be done.

Question: How do I sooth the pain of a TMJ disorder? I have to wait 3 months to see a specialist. I don't know what exactly is causing it, but I know that it is not due to teeth grinding. The pain is spreading VERY quickly. I cannot take Tylenol 2 or 3... it kills my stomach. I cannot sleep and can barely eat. What can I do to sooth the pain? I don't know if I can physically handle waiting 3 months for an appointment.

Answer: TMJ is caused when your jawbone shifts slightly out of alignment with the joint. You may also experience shifting or cracking of the jaw. Tooth griding can be a cause but it's not true 100% of the time...it wasn't the case with me and I suffered TMJ for well over a month. There is also a school of thought that suggests that it is also a result of low magnesuim levels...I started taking a daily vitamin as well...don't know if it helps TMJ but it couldn't hurt it. Go to the ER or your doc and ask for a script of novo-naprox. Also mention that you aren't sleeping and perhaps try a sleeping pill...if you aren't sleeping then you cannot heal. As for eating stick to soft foods (soups, oatmeal, ice cream!) but no meats or hard veggies...your jaw needs time to heal, not to work out at this point. Also ice the pain as often as you can and eventually everything will shift back to normal. You may not even need to see the specialist. I feel your pain...good luck.

Question: Does anybody know where to find the cost of occlusal splints? For TMJ disorder? My TMJ specialist dentist charged me $3000 for splint (mouthpiece) I saw him two times and he only looked in my mouth for about 2 seconds on each occasion. This guy is a con artist with a license to steal. Any leads greatly appreciated.

Answer: Our office charges $500 for a TMJ splint. You don't necessarily need a "TMJ specialist" to make one for you. Most dentists are comfortable making these.

Question: how do you get rid of TMJ Disorder? has anyone had it and gotten rid of it?

Answer: I have TMJ , it does not go away it can only be managed, unless it's soooooo severe you have an operation to correct it and even then no guarentee. I've had it for years & I have a special plate that has a piece in the middle so I don't bit down on my back teeth. I clench my teeth at night & some grind their teeth at night. That plate has helped me sooooo much I wear it at bedtime and the horrible headaches I use to get & pain , gone. I suggest you get a plate & make sure it has that piece in the middle or it won't work & good luck!!

Question: Does anyone have hearing loss with Tmj disorder? Hi, I cant tell if i have muffled hearing due to ear wax or tmj. my gp tells me i do have ear wax but not blocking my canal, so i wondered if tmj could be the cause? I have clicking in my jaw joint, and my neck is painful, and my ears feel full. I have tried ear drops to remove any wax, but it didnt make my hearing improve. Could this be related to tmj?

Answer: If you are noticing signs of hearing loss I would recommend you visit an audiologist for a full hearing evaluation. Based on the hearing test results he/she may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor for further evaluation. During the full hearing evaluation additional tests will be done to assist the audiologist in determining the type of hearing loss and potential causes. For more on signs and causes of hearing loss, visit: http://www.healthyhearing.com/questions/… and http://www.healthyhearing.com/questions/… Regarding TMJ. TMJ does not typically cause hearing loss; however it can cause tinnitus - ringing in the ears. If the TMJ is at all affecting your Eustachian tube then it surely it can cause you to feel plugged and perhaps make you feel as if you have hearing loss. The Eustachian tube equalizes pressure within your middle ear space. During the hearing evaluation the audiologist will perform a tympanogram test which will assist him/her in telling if your Eustachian tube is not working properly. For more on a tympanogram: http://www.healthyhearing.com/questions/…

Question: I have TMJ disorder and want to know if anyone knows anyway to ease the pain right there by your ear? I had oral surgery years ago and my jaw has just never been the same especially when I get really stressed. I woke up today and cant even bite down all the way on the left side of my teeth. Its like my whole jaw is off and it hurts. Im pregnant so cant take much.HELP!!

Answer: I have it too. Put an ice bag on your jaw...it really helps. Also, take ibuprofen. Try to keep your stress levels down. Good luck!

Question: Does TMJ Disorder ever require surgery? I suffer from chronic headaches, chronic facial pain, eye pain, blurry vision, chest pain in the morning, fatigue, back pain, neck pain, pain in the cheek area on both sides of face, etc. I think it might be TMJ Disorder. I am scheduling an appointment with my Dentist to find out if I have it or not. It really sucks, no joke.

Answer: Hi Bubba. You might have a problem with your TMJ, but it is unlikely that such as problem is the primary cause all of these symptoms. It is more likely that some underlying problem is causing all of these symptoms AND causing a TMJ problem. Best wishes and good luck.

Question: Should I avoid jogging with TMJ disorder? I was having bad muscle spasms so I can only wear a very thin splint (similar to a bleaching tray with an extra mm thickness). It can hold my bite steady if I bite down on it, but I am not supposed to do this. However since I will be wearing a splint a long time, I need to do something to get back in shape! Just how bad is the jarring on my jaw going to aggravate it, because I need to find some sort of balance?

Answer: Maybe give some though to weight lifting and yoga. Both will help you get into great shape and they do not have that jarring motion that jogging has. If you really want to jog talk to your dentist first to get his opinion on the issue.