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Research on TMJ: What treatments work for you?

Posted by HazelBlumberg @hazelblumberg, Aug 15, 2017

This just arrived in my inbox, and I thought some of you might be interested:

TMJ Patient RoundTable Project: Status Update
https://tmj.org/living-with-tmj/tmj-implants/tmj-roundtable-project/
The TMJ Patient RoundTable is also the first patient-led project to be conducted under the auspices of the Medical Device Epidemiology Network (MDEpiNet), a public-private partnership developed to bring real--world data-patient experiences together with a broad array of experts to conduct studies aimed at improving outcomes for implant patients worldwide. The unique aspect of the RoundTable initiative is its patient-centeredness and in that regard, we expect to involve you, the TMJ patients, in aspects of the project as it enfolds.

The TMJ Patient RoundTable was initiated by a need to find out why some TMJ patients have successful outcomes from implant surgery, while others do not. It has evolved into a comprehensive study of all aspects of temporomandibular disorders and how these various aspects interact to affect patient outcomes. The goal is to establish a scientifically valid road map that can reliably predict treatment outcomes for individual patients. The long-term goal seeks to incorporate different study topics into the project as it evolves over time.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

grandmaR | @grandmar | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @parus "@grandmar I was in hunting camp in late fall in the Bridger Wilderness in WY the..." + (show)
@parus

@grandmar I was in hunting camp in late fall in the Bridger Wilderness in WY the first time this happened. Had not a clue what had happened. I was the wrangler and could not say a word to get those horses moving. I was 23 at the time.
I only eat soft foods which makes it a challenge to eat healthy. Green smoothies are at the top of the food chain. OA has set in too. When I went to the 2nd TMJ specialist I learned my mandibular joint was out of socket. There are ways and I am thankful for blenders!!!

Jump to this post

@parus
It really isn't necessary to limit yourself to soft foods. Just stay away from 'chewy' foods, foods that require a lot of chewing, like steak. Don't chew gum or gummy candies (or vitamins). Don't overextend your mouth when you go in for a bite. Don't bite into a piece of corn on the cob or an apple. You can eat these things, just cut them into small bites.
As I said in a prior post, the dentist should be able to put your joint back into the socket. It hurts like hell, but in a few hours you are good as new. Surgery should not be necessary.
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

REPLY
3 replies
Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Jan 24, 2019

@contentandwell
Surgery is not an option at this point. I can not have surgery because of hypertension crisis. I was an still hopeful this too will be over in a couple weeks so for now I guess the best I can do is treat the symptoms.
But I know it’s only putting a bandaid on a big problem. It will have to be fixed.
Stay warm
Dawn

REPLY
1 reply
Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @grandmar "@parus It really isn't necessary to limit yourself to soft foods. Just stay away from 'chewy'..." + (show)
@grandmar

@parus
It really isn't necessary to limit yourself to soft foods. Just stay away from 'chewy' foods, foods that require a lot of chewing, like steak. Don't chew gum or gummy candies (or vitamins). Don't overextend your mouth when you go in for a bite. Don't bite into a piece of corn on the cob or an apple. You can eat these things, just cut them into small bites.
As I said in a prior post, the dentist should be able to put your joint back into the socket. It hurts like hell, but in a few hours you are good as new. Surgery should not be necessary.
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Jump to this post

@grandmar
Great advise!!
You make it sound so simple!! In the beginning as preventive care I could follow those standard protocols.
I’m thankful to get soft food. My TMJ is so bad I can not even drink through a straw.
Thank you
Dawn

REPLY
2 replies
grandmaR | @grandmar | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "@grandmar Great advise!! You make it sound so simple!! In the beginning as preventive care I..." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

@grandmar
Great advise!!
You make it sound so simple!! In the beginning as preventive care I could follow those standard protocols.
I’m thankful to get soft food. My TMJ is so bad I can not even drink through a straw.
Thank you
Dawn

Jump to this post

@dawn_giacabazi
If you think about it, there is a reason drinking through a straw is difficult. You need to use the muscles in and around your mouth. When you have TMJ, especially during a flare up, you just aggravate those muscles with the sucking. Drinking straight out of the cup, etc., is less strain.
BTW...during a flair up, it is not unusual to have not only an ear aches, but become dizzy. The mandibular joint is right near your ear.
So, even if you are feeling well (or not), try using a warm compress. Like if you are sitting around watching TV or reading. 15 or 20 minutes off, then 15 or 20 minutes on. You can use a heating pad (be sure to put z towel between your face and pad) or take a hand towel, run it under warm water, ring it out, then put it in the microwave. The amount of time would depend on your microwave and how w as rm you like it. Last but not least, use something like xtra strength, fast working Tylenol or Advil to help with the p as in and relaxing the muscles.
Ronnie

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lioness | @lioness | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "@contentandwell Surgery is not an option at this point. I can not have surgery because of..." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

@contentandwell
Surgery is not an option at this point. I can not have surgery because of hypertension crisis. I was an still hopeful this too will be over in a couple weeks so for now I guess the best I can do is treat the symptoms.
But I know it’s only putting a bandaid on a big problem. It will have to be fixed.
Stay warm
Dawn

Jump to this post

@dawn_giacabazi They found my friend didn't have TMJ but it was a nerve causing her problem She went to a Chinese Dr who knew what it was and lut her on Neurotin and Elavil she said she,s fine since But she all along was told she had TMJ

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lioness | @lioness | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "@lioness The surgeon says my bite is off. They would essentially break the jaw and put..." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

@lioness
The surgeon says my bite is off. They would essentially break the jaw and put s screw in the roof of my mouth. They would then periodically adjust the screw to slowly widen my upper jaw so my bite would be aligned by the end of 6-8 weeks. They would clean out some bone chips from me trying to force my mouth to close the first time it locked open many years ago. Sounds like fun!! Sign me up. Uhhh supposed it would be a great diet. Not exactly running to the registration.

TMJ not so fun..
Dawn

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@dawn_giacabazi Not the way to lose weight for sure

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JK | @contentandwell | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "@grandmar Great advise!! You make it sound so simple!! In the beginning as preventive care I..." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

@grandmar
Great advise!!
You make it sound so simple!! In the beginning as preventive care I could follow those standard protocols.
I’m thankful to get soft food. My TMJ is so bad I can not even drink through a straw.
Thank you
Dawn

Jump to this post

@dawn_giacabazi It sounds like @grandmar has had some really good experience with this. I hope you can get similar help with your TMJ.
JK

REPLY
Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Jan 24, 2019

I’m thankful I have had a successful 18 years dealing with it. Hoping to resolve this bump in the road as well.
Thanks
Dawn

REPLY
Parus | @parus | Jan 25, 2019
In reply to @grandmar "@parus It really isn't necessary to limit yourself to soft foods. Just stay away from 'chewy'..." + (show)
@grandmar

@parus
It really isn't necessary to limit yourself to soft foods. Just stay away from 'chewy' foods, foods that require a lot of chewing, like steak. Don't chew gum or gummy candies (or vitamins). Don't overextend your mouth when you go in for a bite. Don't bite into a piece of corn on the cob or an apple. You can eat these things, just cut them into small bites.
As I said in a prior post, the dentist should be able to put your joint back into the socket. It hurts like hell, but in a few hours you are good as new. Surgery should not be necessary.
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Jump to this post

@grandmar Thank you for your input. My situation is atypical. I will adhere to the advice of the specialist.

REPLY
ga29 | @ga29 | Jan 29, 2021
In reply to @grandmar "@parus It really isn't necessary to limit yourself to soft foods. Just stay away from 'chewy'..." + (show)
@grandmar

@parus
It really isn't necessary to limit yourself to soft foods. Just stay away from 'chewy' foods, foods that require a lot of chewing, like steak. Don't chew gum or gummy candies (or vitamins). Don't overextend your mouth when you go in for a bite. Don't bite into a piece of corn on the cob or an apple. You can eat these things, just cut them into small bites.
As I said in a prior post, the dentist should be able to put your joint back into the socket. It hurts like hell, but in a few hours you are good as new. Surgery should not be necessary.
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Jump to this post

I know this is an old thread from last year, but I wanted to share my experience. Last year I had a very painful jaw, just on one side where it hurt to eat or just sit there. The dentist didn’t know what to do my primary doctor just shook his head and said surgery is not very successful for TMJ. I mentioned it to my physical therapist who I was going to for my neck, I have issues on the C567. She put on a glove had me lay back, and grabbed my jaw and manipulated it. Boom it was back in the socket whatever was wrong she cured. I let my doctor and my dentist know, ask them to share it with anyone else that I had this issue it might help them.

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