TMJ sufferers: pain relief remedies that work?

[codell15]

I have TMJ, and over the last few months the grinding sounds and pain have been getting worse. At this point no over-the-counter pain relievers have any effect whatsoever. I saw my doc who referred me to an ENT(ear/nose/throat), who referred me to a dentist. He told me to do excercises involving opening/closing the jaw. After 2 days that made it WORSE, and the pain was excruciating, and spread from the joint to all of the muscles in that side of my face and ear. When I went back he gave me a RX for Flexeril which is helping, but my dental insurance doesn't cover TMJ, so he referred me to an orthopoedic specialist. I'm still waiting for my appt. with him. In the interim, however, I would really like to know if anyone has had success with any remedy that can be had from home.

[burlie]

Ok, look up NTI as a mouth guard. This specific mouth piece helps align TMJ to reduce pain and compression of the meniscus and the trigeminal nerve ganglion. It is helpful for those who grind ot grind at night. You can wear the guard at night and it will really help. be forewarned though there are only a few dentists who specialize in NTI. These tiny little braces can cost anywhere from $250 - $600. They are mainly used for migraine sufferes, however it is also advised to use for TMJ.
Below is a link to the NTI webpage, you can find a dentist there. This is the best option. My fiancee has TMJ and migraines and this is the only thing that worked. I also had some of my athletes with TMJ get the guard and it seemed to be the only thing that helped.

Another option is to see a physcial therapist who specializes in TMJ pain modification.

[edoardo]

Hot and cold compress in the morning, (those hot bags that go in the microwave are nice.) Naturals oil capsules (Evening Primrose oil works best) help to lubricate joints, but only after a while of taking them. Glucosamine Sulfate and MSM help with joint pain as well.
Have you ever had your wisdom teeth removed? They can cause a lot of problems in that area. Also if you grind your teeth at night, a mouth guard can be beneficial.

[burdett]

I also have super bad TMJ- I am going to go to a TMJ specialist who will treat TMJ and not just the symptoms- it is being covered by my medical insurance. That could be something you could look into if the orthopedic doesn't work. I have found with TMJ that nothing makes mine feel better- I was told to wear a mouth guard to bed and that made it horrible. My chiropractor helped a little bit. Try and stay away from gum, chewy foods such as taffy or tough foods like steak.

[tiarchnach]

Yes,I also have TM myself. I have went through all that spent lots of money but the best thing I have found out is get some where you can relax put a tens unit to your face let the shocking treatments stimulate through the muscles of your jaws.

[ocelfa]

hi check this link its good




http://insurancess.notlong.com




.

[paulson]

For some home remedies you may want to pick up a book called "Taking Control of TMJ". Can I also suggest that instead of an ortho you consider a more specialized doctor. The problem with TMJ disorders is that dentists are not trained as doctors and doctors are not trained as dentists and they miss all the problems that overlap and constantly refer you back to the other one. It's very frustrating. If you go to the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain you can find a doctor in the referral area who is most likely both a doctor and dentist or just a dentist that specializes in TMJ and is uniquely qualified to treat your condition. An ortho will look at you as a surgery candidate when in reality it's possible you need nothing more than a "full occlusal adjustment" - essentially making sure each tooth is lined up properly so when you bite there are no pressure points putting a strain on the tm joint. Until you see a specialist keep up the opening/closing exercising and you can use moist heat (a hot washcloth) on the area to keep the muscles a little looser. Unfortunately exercising an injured area will always make it a little worse before it makes it better. And for now stay away from bagels, steak, and anything else which will require extra work from your jaw! Don't give up. Good luck.