[jmomb]

So i ended up with TMJ disorder from stress and anxiety. Now that i have those under control im still in constant pain and im falling apart. No matter how often i take my meds for pain im still in some sort of discomfort. Its becoming really frustrqting and depressing that i cant be pain free for even 5 minutes. I cant eat what i want, i cant sleep and it hurts to have a convorsation for any length of time. Any one have any ideas on how i can ignoree the pain for even a minute? Like zone out or something, anything?! I think if i have to deal with this much longer i might go insane............

[SeekingZen]

Hi Jmomb

I know what you are going through!!! My TMD pain has been getting worse; it frustrates me because it hurts to talk and eat. My dentist wants me to get a custom night guard, but everyone I have used in the past I just pull out in my sleep. Have you tried a custom n/g yet?

I have thought about getting a TENS unit for the pain, but for now I have been alternating ice and heat on the TMJ area. I am in so much pain that I would be willing to consider surgery, as the pain is now radiating to the back of my skull above the ear as well as the eye area.

What types of doctors have you seen for dx/treatment?

Hopefully someone will be able to offer a success story. I wish you the best. Please keep me posted!

Originally Posted by jmomb

So i ended up with TMJ disorder from stress and anxiety. Now that i have those under control im still in constant pain and im falling apart. No matter how often i take my meds for pain im still in some sort of discomfort. Its becoming really frustrqting and depressing that i cant be pain free for even 5 minutes. I cant eat what i want, i cant sleep and it hurts to have a convorsation for any length of time. Any one have any ideas on how i can ignoree the pain for even a minute? Like zone out or something, anything?! I think if i have to deal with this much longer i might go insane............

[jmomb]

Im new to the disorder so i havent tried much. But researching it and hearing other peoples stories isnt making me hopeful :/
I've been in and out of urgent care because i cant see my primary till the 11th. I also founa a dentist that specializes in TMD so hopefully i can get in to see him soon.
Thanks for the response. I can use all the advice and support i can get.

[bretd]

Originally Posted by jmomb

So i ended up with TMJ disorder from stress and anxiety. Now that i have those under control im still in constant pain and im falling apart. No matter how often i take my meds for pain im still in some sort of discomfort. Its becoming really frustrqting and depressing that i cant be pain free for even 5 minutes. I cant eat what i want, i cant sleep and it hurts to have a convorsation for any length of time. Any one have any ideas on how i can ignoree the pain for even a minute? Like zone out or something, anything?! I think if i have to deal with this much longer i might go insane............

My wife suffers from the same thing. She found meds to help sleep and wears a mouth piece at night. good luck.

I had TMJ and had a custom mouthpiece made and wore it for years at night. It helped. However, I also found that it just wasn't my jawbone that was a problem. Other parts of my body were tight too. I bought a bolster pillow and put it under my knees when I sleep so that my knees are not in a locked position. It helped relax my leg muscles and helped my lower back relax too. Sometimes, TMJ is a full body condition. The tension is throughout your entire body. You might also try massage as well as yoga or relaxing breathing exercises. What is the cause of the tension in your body? What are you unhappy about?

[Sr564231]

i have severe tmj too. i just got custom night guard but it falls out when i sleep? any suggestions? my retainer is in in the meanwhile bc the night guard falls out. i get clicking sound and lock jaw. its terrible

[SeekingZen]

bnretd & unhappyguy: Thanks for posting. When you say mouth piece do you mean a custom night guard or an occlusal splint? Are splints better or worse than night guards? How long are they worn for?

jmomb: Have you checked out tmjhope.org?

[guitarldy]

Re: TMJ......Hello. I am new here, but suffered for years with TMJ. My dad ground his teeth badly, so I truly believe there can be genetic/ anatomic reasons. But I also believe stress, as others noted, is often related. A good dentist or osteopathic physician who understands muscles of the mouth may help. It is what helped me, along with meditative tapes at bedtime. I also found inexpensive sports night guards sold at drugstores were as good as expensive custom made ones. I "ate" through many, but manipulation of my jaw helped. Hope these suggestions help. Take care....New Member

[SeekingZen]

Guitarldy, did a chiropractor manipulate your jaw? Also, how many times did you have it manipulated? Thanks!

Originally Posted by guitarldy

Re: TMJ......Hello. I am new here, but suffered for years with TMJ. My dad ground his teeth badly, so I truly believe there can be genetic/ anatomic reasons. But I also believe stress, as others noted, is often related. A good dentist or osteopathic physician who understands muscles of the mouth may help. It is what helped me, along with meditative tapes at bedtime. I also found inexpensive sports night guards sold at drugstores were as good as expensive custom made ones. I "ate" through many, but manipulation of my jaw helped. Hope these suggestions help. Take care....New Member