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[Sooze]

Anyone currently here that has TMJ disorder? I’ve just been diagnosed and I’d just like to compare symptoms and diagnosis, as mine doesn’t appear to follow the classic symptoms, and I’ve had no investigations, just an ENT consult.

Also re management, what has worked for you.

So my jaw doesn’t click, and I don’t currently grind my teeth (used to about 10yrs ago and used a night guard then).  On waking it doesn’t feel worse or more noticeable, so I don’t think that’s a contributing factor.  Symptoms started with tingling on left side of nose and across cheekbone.  Then pain in the ear and suspected ear infection 2 months ago.  Antibiotics helped a bit.  Now I have an ache just below my ear lobe tracking down into my neck following the curve of my jaw.  I do have a tendency to clench my jaw when concentrating or stressed, so I’m trying not to do that.  I also talk a lot in my work, and it is worse at the end of a working day.

Anti inflammatories don’t help at all.  Taking Paramol before bed does - I only take it then if it’s aching so much it’ll stop me dropping off to sleep.  Heat helps and I’ve get a heated pad, cold definitely makes it worse.  I get tension headaches on that side when it’s particularly troublesome, but generally I don’t otherwise get headaches at all.

I don’t chew gum, and I’ve started the exercises but they don’t appear to be helping at all.  This is getting me down and I’m wondering about getting a private consultation as I wasn’t impressed with the ENT one I had. 

Seen the dentist recently and no problems there regarding my teeth.

I’d love any suggestions as to what might help.

TIA,
Sooze

[CLKD]

Morning.  As oestrogen levels drop muscles may become lax = aches and pains.  Could this be contributing to the TMJ?    Any X-rays suggested?

[Sooze]

Thanks for the reply. I don’t think the oestrogen levels are a problem as I’m on HRT and menopause symptoms are well controlled.

X-rays have not been suggested, and I’m wondering if that’s normal.  I got the impression from the ENT consult that he had no idea re the tingling, but now my symptoms are in the area of the TMJ he concluded that must be the problem.  Hence why I’m hoping for some feedback from others with the diagnosis.

[CLKD]

Has your GP done blood tests to check for inflammation markers as well as 4 rheumatoid arthritis ............ TMJ may B a rare side effect [I've been searching for support groups].  Several NHS Trusts suggest exercises and all state that the jaw 'clicks' regularly. 

I remember getting those sensations from the ear into the lower jaw occasionally which goes without treatment.  I've experienced the tingling too but not for long periods of time. 

In the 1990s I suffered with sudden intense sharp pains in the nerve - neuralgia - which did cause similar tingling. 

[JS79]

I have similar facial aches and have asked GP about TMJ but they never took me on.
My b12 levels were just in the normal range when tested at start of the year but told not to supplement. I'm now away to get them rechecked as a few of my symptoms aren't clearing with HRT and was told by a Dr friend that my symptoms could be b12 deficiency, including the facial pain and tingling.
Have you had vitamin levels checked?

[Sooze]

Thanks for the reply.  I’ve not had my B12 levels checked, but I assume they are OK as I take Vit B complex anyway.  I’m due for my annual HRT bloods next month so I think I’ll ask if I can have a general check at the same time, just to get that ticked off my list.

[CLKD]

We should never assume anything, ever.  Assumption almost landed me in Court 

[marge]

I’ve had a couple of bouts of TMJ over the years and my son is in the middle of one at the moment. In my experience, the only treatment is paracetamol and time. It just comes out of nowhere and then goes when it’s ready. No rhyme or reason. I once asked a GP how long would it last and his reply: how long’s a piece of string? Not very helpful, but l really don’t think they know. Hope yours clears off soon!

[CLKD]

Trigenimal neuralgia has similar symptoms marge 

[marge]

I’ve just Googled that CLKD, sounds horrific.

[CLKD]

It is - the pain would hit so suddenly I would hit the ground, I'm sure when I was walking the dog people thought I was drunk. 

DH had his jaw dislocated by the dentist during treatment which went 'back' without further problems ....... that would probably be the tempero mandible joint.