In need of some TMJ Guidance

by Sara
(PA)

Hi. I have a question for you regarding TMJ. I have been having some strange tooth/jaw pain since I had a traumatic experience this past summer. I was crying a lot and injured my jaw.

Since then, I have been through 7 months of hell. I went to an allergist to see if possibly it was sinus problem causing my ear pain, had my ears drained, went to a TMJ doctor and my dentist who both made mouthguards for me that didn't work. The one made by the TMJ specialist screwed up my bite permanently. I also couldn't sleep with the guard in.

I also tried to get my lower two wisdom teeth out, and no doctor will remove them.

My question is: I am running out of options. I have neck pain and jaw pain pretty regularly and haven't had a good night's sleep in as long as I can remember.

I don't exactly know what I'm doing wrong, and I was wondering if there was anything i can try?

Relaxation exercises don't seem to work on me, they make me feel more anxious, because I feel like I'm wasting time when I'm doing them.

Massage therapy takes the edge off, but that lasts for about two days and then I'm back to my old self.

I've tried things like mouthguards or humidifiers at night, but I can't sleep at all with anything going on in the room.

Tried Osteopathy, that seems to make it worse.

My biggest problem is that because nothing worked and most things have made it worse, I don't BELIEVE that anything else can work.

What do you suggest for someone who has TMJ and is a terribly light sleeper? I simply cannot get to sleep with appliances in my mouth. I can't sleep with hypnosis tapes playing.

Should I try a different pillow? Should I throw my bed out? I'm willing to do all of that if it could make this go away.

If you are in need of any more information about this, I would be happy to provide it.

Sincerely,
Sara

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In need of some TMJ Guidance

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by: Dr. Spainhower

Hello Sara,

Please send me your email by commenting on this thread, and I'll try to help you with more personal info.

With what you've said, I can give you some options, but please email me to get more specific.

My first thoughts are these...

#1 You may have stress chemicals secreting in your body that is preventing you from sleeping. Your body remembers to secrete these chemicals the longer you are having the problems.

So, try breaking your body's memory of the cycle of secreting those chemicals. What I would recommend is to start a vigorous exercise plan. Work out 4-5 days a week. Work up a sweat to sweat out the impurities and Free Radicals in your body.

#2 Purchase the SmartGuard here on this website. It really is an excellent night guard. It is very different than anything you probably have worn. It reduces clenching that almost ALL other night guards promote or increase. So, buy it and see how that helps you.

I'd like to get into more detail of your symptoms, so please email me at TMJSpainhower at gmail dot com.

Looking forward to your email Sara.

Dr. Spainhower

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