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DiscussionResearch on TMJ: What treatments work for you?
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Apr 26, 2022 | Replies (50)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I don’t know if I have Tmj or not. This not happen too often but all..."
@sakota
Hi!
I am NOT a physician or dentist of any kind, but I am a TMJ sufferer. All I can do is share my experiences.
I am currently 63 yo and I was diagnosed over 30 years ago, when TMJ was not well known, or known at all.
One Friday I had a TERRIBLE ear ache, which was something new to me as I never, ever had one before.
I figured I better get to my doctor since it was Friday and I didn't want to get stuck over the weekend with this horrible ear.
He examined me and my ears were perfectly clear and healthy. But my pain was VERY real. He asked me if I had any other symptoms. I did, but I felt silly talking about it. But I did.....
1. ear ache
2. clicking when chewing
3. feeling that my jaw was slipping off the 'hinge'
His eyes enlarged as he told me he knew what I had. It was something he read about in his wife's dental journal, TMJ. He explained that it was a MEDICAL problem dealt with by a DENTIST. (Try telling this to your medical insurance so many years ago)
I cannot remember, because it was so many years ago, but I found a dentist that specialized in TMJ, who treated me. There was NO computer or internet those days so I really don't know how we connected. I did NOT deal with a dental surgeon any time during my treatment.
May I suggest that you start with your doctor just to make sure you do not have anything wrong with your ears. If you don't, then I'd see your regular dentist and see what he/she says.
BTW.....My TMJ developed from inappropriate orthodontic treatment. In the years I wore braces, the orthodontist was more concerned with the way my teeth looked rather than the physiology of moving my teeth. Although my teeth were straight, they were moved into an inappropirate place. This is NOT how all people get TMJ. There are many ways.
Good luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)
@sakota9 here’s a link to a great video about TMJ.
Have you noticed it the pain is triggered by any particular action? Like during eating or stressful situations?
Thanks
Dawn