The TMJ Association - changing the face of TMJ

TMJ Resources - Our Family - Patient Talk

George

I have just found your site and it is a welcome sight.

I was diagnosed with TMJ almost 7 years ago while I was in High School. At the time I was also undergoing other orthodontia work for teeth straightening and bite altering. At the time the TMJ pain was minor and could easily be alleviated with the mantra "Teeth Apart, Lips Together." I have lived by this mantra ever since, ever since that is about a year ago.

I am now 22 years old, last year my Orthodontist told me that I was going to have another growth spurt. I laughed at him, but he did not laugh back. Last summer my jaw grew 2mm, which escalated my TMJ pain levels. In the last 2 years I have worn 4 different splints, primarily while I slept unless the pain was unbearable.

I have to say that the last 3 months have been by far the worst it has ever been. I go in and get my jaw realigned or adjusted at least once every 2 weeks. I recently developed an allergic reaction to Advil, which I am attributing to it being the only over the counter pain med that ever did anything for my TMJ pains. My Chiropractor gave me some MSM, which can be a lifesaver, but it takes some time. I have recently found MagPhos thanks to my Orthodontist, which I now keep a little vial of on me where ever I go.

In all honesty I have become used to the ailments, but it does not mean the pain goes away. I spend a lot of time in front of my computer, but that is my education and where I choose to make money. Right now I wonder what it would be like to not think about my jaw constantly, not hear the grinding and popping my jaw makes when I talk, when I chew, when I yawn. More recently episodes of vertigo, and ringing in the ears have escalated.

I sleep with my splint every night, and in the morning I feel all right. But I have been finding that I am going to bed earlier and earlier because at least in sleep I am not conscience of the pain. I am a big guy and I have always had one pain or the other, and given enough time I can get used to any particular kind of pain. But the TMJ pain just keeps changing and well it keeps me on my feet.

Thank you for listening to my tale. I know I am now on the look out for pain management techniques, and any other holistic meds that may alleviate temporary spikes of pain. Please feel free to share what is written here on your website, for if we help each other we may find the answers we all want.