[krisakira]

Been in severe pain in my jaw, teeth, and ear and thought it was my crooked wisdom teeth. I went to the doctor and he diagnosed me with TMJ disorder. I can't open my jaw all the way without it popping and hurting real bad. I'm on prednisone for it. He said it would relieve the inflammation and thus relieve the pain. Anyone else have experience with this?

I had TMJ years ago from clenching my teeth at night when I slept. A dentist custom made me a brace to put over my bottom teeth at night so that I could not clench. It helped a lot. Now, you can walk into a drug store and for about $10-20 buy a one-size fits all mouthpiece that will do the same thing. I suggest you get one.

Another thing that helped me big time was noting that TMJ was a tightness throughout my entire body as I slept. I especially noticed that I used to lock my knees at night and would wake up feeling stiff. There are expensive pillows you can buy to elevate your feet in bed but I found that a $20 bolster pillow placed under my knees did the same thing. Plus, it helped relax my lower back muscles. I still use this pillow. It is one of the best investments I've ever made. Try it.

[SeekingZen]

I'm sorry you are in pain from TMJD.

I've been experiencing TMJD pain for a couple of years now, and it has gotten worse on the last year. The Prednisone did help relieve some of the TMJD pain, but it only lasted a month or so. I've also tried Physical Therapy (didn't help) and have seen several specialists. My dentist made me a custom night guard which has helped some, but I would still describe my pain as severe. It radiates into my eye, ear and lower jaw.

Wish I had better news to share, but I do hope you are able to get some relief soon!

[tornoversurgery]

I've had TMJ for decades and initially it was painful, but the physical therapy exercises for that and a few other things it has become very manageable. At this time it's no more bothersome than an occasional cramp or itch.

Good posture, not eating very hard foods were 2 important things for me. You can always try acupuncture for the pain, might help.

[krisakira]

I can't stand the pain tonight, it's worse than ever!! Past 2am and still up. Kill me now.

[Wren_]

tmj is horrible; i've had it for years ... sometimes flaring up much worse than at other times. I had a splint made (and accidentally lost it) but didn't find it helped anyway. During one flare up having physiotherapy helped; but in another I couldn't bear having my jaw worked on at all so it varies finding what helps at different times. I hope you were able to get some sleep

[ringtailcat]

Custom made splints can help. Getting a refreral to a good Dentist that specializes in TMJD is a good idea. Other things that might help are accupuncture, massage and chiropractic in addition to the other things mentioned by others in this thread. I HAVEHADTmJ D for many yrs andhave been wearing 2 splints at night with fairly good relief most of the time. Chiropractic has also helped me. Good luck, don't give up and keep working with your providers to get you pain under control.