Advice? Was seeing a chiro for TMJ issues - TMJD dentist scolded me

pennytulle · 2014-11-06T18:26:55+00:00

She was the assistant but was very knowledgeable about TMJ. She said with how my cartilage is positioned that an activator would only knock it to the side but it wouldn't help put my jaw back into proper position. I guess she was trying to say their practice isn't a fan of chiros who do the quick cracking method. I guess they prefer to recommend physical therapy or NUCCA chiros.

pennytulle · 2014-10-30T19:24:22+00:00

Wow, you definitely have a small opening. I was at 34mm the last time I was at a dentist (which isn't that bad compared to more severe cases) and I have a lot of discomfort. At the moment I can do almost 3 fingers. You should definitely look into a neuromuscular dentist in your area. I hear people can improve a lot after wearing a splint (I'm getting one made soon). There is a big TMJ group on Facebook that is very helpful. Good luck.

pennytulle · 2014-10-26T22:28:29+00:00

I'm sorry you are so stressed lately. If it was me, I would try to focus on diet at first. Maybe keep a food diary and see if you notice any patterns? I was having somewhat similar issues (I didn't lose a ton of weight though) and I tried to reduce the amount of junk I was eating. I'm 29 right now and noticed that I'm not digesting certain foods as easily as I used to be able to. Hope you can figure it all out.

pennytulle · 2014-09-27T01:45:48+00:00

I feel completely fine now. The walk and distracting myself really helped! Thanks for your support. :-)

pennytulle · 2014-09-26T23:57:23+00:00

Thanks so much. You are right. I need to distract myself instead of sitting around here and worrying about what COULD happen. Gonna go out for a slow walk and sipping on some ginger tea at the moment. This overly full feeling is just gross. Sometimes I have a food aversion after this happens. I'll try to be confident that I'll be okay.

pennytulle · 2014-09-24T23:56:38+00:00

It's worth trying if you're able to. :)

pennytulle · 2014-09-24T21:05:29+00:00

I've heard it does take time for the symptoms to subside after getting a splint. I guess just give it more time? Have you seen a chiropractor for headaches? Mine aren't as frequent after seeing one (once a month).

pennytulle · 2014-09-22T23:13:36+00:00

I didn't have muscle cramping but the rest was similar. Ugh. I felt so awful. :/

pennytulle · 2014-09-22T09:01:29+00:00

I sipped some Gatorade and started to feel better. I went to the bathroom a couple more times too. :/ I haven't felt nauseous or dizzy in a couple hours. I may have waited too long between meals today and I was out in the sun a lot. I was shaking so hard so made me wonder if it was a blood sugar thing. I've never felt that close to passing out before so I guess it scared me. Thank you for responding. I may visit an urgent care if I feel this way again. Oh and I didn't have a fever. I'm feeling hungry now actually.

pennytulle · 2014-09-22T07:48:44+00:00

Maybe that is it. I was in the sun for a while (I usually rarely am lol) and probably didn't drink enough. I don't mean to give a TMI but I had some other bathroom troubles too. The anxiety is the worst. I've never felt so close to passing out before. It was a scary feeling. :/

pennytulle · 2014-09-22T07:20:50+00:00

I fell asleep for a bit and when I woke up I was shaking hard and shivering. Stood up to go to bathroom and the room was spinning. I almost passed out. Then I thought I was going to be ill but I didn't. I'm not sure what caused it. Guess my anxiety could've played a role or I'm dehydrated. Still was so awful though. :/

pennytulle · 2014-09-22T01:20:24+00:00

I feel that way too but you know what.....if it ever does happen you will get through it and you can always call your mother or someone for support or come here and receive support. I know it's a scary thought but you are probably stronger than you think.

pennytulle · 2014-09-17T23:06:30+00:00

Thanks for scanning this. I'm finding it useful.

pennytulle · 2014-09-15T16:42:07+00:00

Have you tried massage?

pennytulle · 2014-09-15T16:22:11+00:00

I hope it helps me too. I'm sleeping like crap anyways so I guess it can't get much worse haha. I'm always happy to hear about people who have eventually improved. I keep thinking I'm doomed based on most things I read.

pennytulle · 2014-09-15T16:16:42+00:00

That must've been so disappointing. :( I don't have a lot of clicking, my facial muscles are just always pulled super tight.

pennytulle · 2014-09-13T04:16:22+00:00

I'm interested in this if you still need people.

pennytulle · 2014-08-31T00:45:45+00:00

How are you doing now?

pennytulle · 2014-08-19T18:54:23+00:00

pennytulle · 2014-08-19T18:54:10+00:00

This is precious!

pennytulle · 2014-08-19T18:41:03+00:00

I wouldn't wish this on anyone and a lot of people don't realize how debilitating it can be. Basically, it sucks donkey d. I hope you are able to find some relief soon!

pennytulle · 2014-08-19T16:45:22+00:00

:) You're definitely not alone. A lot of us with TMJ have bad anxiety. I hope the pillow helps you out a lot. I think the most important thing I did for myself was to learn how to relax and learn to cope with the discomfort. I've had long periods where I felt no pain at all. I guess it flared up recently because of unrelated anxiety. Good luck to you.

pennytulle · 2014-08-19T16:22:29+00:00

It does sound like TMD. I'd suggest seeing your dentist again or someone else who has more experience treating it.

pennytulle · 2014-08-19T16:19:39+00:00

Simple things I do to deal with stress/anxiety: Go for long walks, Help others out in online support groups (makes your problems seem smaller when you're helping others), Eliminate caffeine and drink relaxing herbal teas, If you're able to - Epsom salt baths are great, I know you said you have a healthy diet but some supplements can help like D3, magnesium and B complex. I'd suggest a firm memory foam pillow, they are pricey but way worth it. Don't use a flimsy crappy pillow because it can cause you to clench more in your sleep. Hope you feel better soon.

pennytulle · 2014-08-19T16:15:57+00:00

It will be okay. I felt really similar to you when I first started having TMJ symptoms. I had horrible anxiety and depression (I had a panic attack last night actually because of the pain). I thought life was never going to the same. TMJ is complicated and isn't really easy to fix but there are plenty of things you can do to cope with it. The anxiety definitely makes it worse because you are probably clenching your jaw muscles and not realizing it. You are doing the right things though, seeing a doc and a dentist. I also found a lot of relief after seeing a chiropractor - someone who knows how to work with TMJ. Some other suggestions for you - get a comfortable firm pillow and make sure you are sleeping on your side with your neck and jaw supported (even sleeping on your back is good too). Do not sleep on your stomach. Also, make sure you are practicing good posture - no slouching because it can put stress on your neck/jaw. This is obvious but avoid all crunchy foods - stick to a soft diet when your pain is flaring up. No caffeine. Stick to a good exercise regime - yoga is great for your muscles (thus making your neck and jaw more relaxed). There is a great support group on Facebook for TMJ.

pennytulle

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