…Bring on Doctor #2. This man who I was initially skeptical of looked in my ear and said, “You don’t have an ear infection whatsoever. Your ear looks completely normal.” WHAT?!! I wanted to burst into tears (for about the 5th time). Here I had been laying on heating pads, taking ibuprofen and amoxicillin, missing way too much work and I was NOWHERE close to being better. I just wanted some relief! Just for 5 minutes. The pain would simply not cease.
Difficulty chewing or biting? Yup
Clicking Jaw? My jaw has done that for as long as I can remember
Neck/Jaw pain? Yes, well now that you mention it…
Earache without infection? Well… evidently yes!
Headache? I’d had a horrible one every morning this week
Combine these symptoms with the thought in the back of my mind: “I know I clench my jaw while I’m sleeping… I always wondered if that was bad.” It looks like TMJ was the culprit. Doctor #2 gave me some muscle anti-inflamitories and sent me on my way. Unfortunately this still wasn’t enough. I ended up at the Dentist the next day where they fit me for a mouth guard (way too expensive but at least it’s not giant, as dorky, or as obtrusive) and gave me muscle relaxants. And there the relief finally started. I honestly hate taking medicine but it wasn’t until I was prescribed muscle relaxants that I was truly able to sleep and relax myself.
1. Get Moving! (exercise)
2. Pray More
3. Take it one day at a time
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Found your blog through a link party! Lots of cute stuff here! Just wanted to comment on this TMJ post. I've had it since I was a small child (10 or 11) but wasn't diagnosed until my mid-twenties! Since then I've had several guards. I don't want to be a negative Nelly, but they haven't worked for me. They do protect my teeth, so I wear them. However, they don't stop the movement of my jaw. The most relief (almost complete relief) I've found is through a chiropractor. During stressful periods (holidays, deaths in my family, etc) I visit as often as I need and also receive acupuncture. When life is 'normal' I just have an adjustment about once a month. It's been the BEST solution I've found. Just wanted to throw that out in case you need a little more help. Hope you find relief!
And I'm bookmarking your blog! Love all the cute ideas & yummy recipes! Be Blessed!
Thanks for your tips, Lin! From one TMJ victim to another, flare ups can truly be a nightmare. So far I've only had extreme pain when I've been under quite a bit of stress (working full time and going to school) and since I'm on school break now I've been able to relax some. If something does come up again I will definitely pay my chiropractor a visit – it certainly couldn't hurt! Thanks for stopping by and for all your kind words!
~Christi
I would highly recommend this center for TMJ sufferers. My dentist had suggested I go over five years ago, but I resisted because of the cost. home remedies for tmj
Great tips, but how to deal with so much stress these days?
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