treatment

by Mary
(Sandusky, OH)

Have worn an NTI for approx. 10 years. A year ago this fall, began to have major headaches, very limited jaw opening 22mm. By Feb. 2009, pain had progressed to my inner ear and I could not sleep laying down. If I slept upright it relieved the pain somewhat to allow sleep. Went to a TMJ specialist who ran multitude of test, made a 24hr. bite splint to correct my malocculsion, and did a series of steroid injections into the joint. Still had terrible pain. In May, he felt he could not do any more for me and recommended arthocentisis. Had that performed late May and felt absolutely terrific immediately after. Discontinued wearing the bite splint but continued wearing the NTI. Within about two months I could feel the ear pain returning. It has now been 4.5 months post-surgery and am not to the point of sitting up to sleep, but the pain continues to increase. Wake with headaches every day, Still wearing my NTI, eating a moderately soft diet, limited jaw opening of approx. 35mm. My left disc is displaced (Mri was performed) and right jaw pops and cracks. Any recommendations?