I have a a TMJ problem but I can't get to a specialist yet. What can I do to keep the pain under control?
439394
I had TMJ, plastic cups with a spoon full of water frozen, then rub the ice on your face for 5 minutes 3 times daily
1086055
TMJ.  I have it too, it is greatly effected by stress.  If it tends to be worse in the morning, you may be ginding your teeth at night. You can purchase a moldable mouth guard to sleep with so that you don't clench your jaw as much as you sleep. Mine comes and goes for months at a time, so maybe a mouth guard and some painkillers would help before you spend all that money on a specialist.
770622
I go to the chiropractor for scoliosis and TMJ. The first week I hurt because my muscles and spine were moving. It is completely natural for you to hurt. I took ibuprofen to take away some of the pain. After a couple of weeks you won't hurt anymore. That is, unless you miss a visit! ;-)
1079536
Sounds like TMJ (don't ask what it stands for).  It's the joint of the jaw.  Do you grind your teeth at night?  Most people do and do not realize it.  Get a toothguard at your local pharmacy.  They have several kinds.  Wear it at night.  Also, you're too stressed (this causes pain in the joints).\n\nMy dentist made me a toothguard.  It stopped the pain immediately.\n\nIt never hurts to get checked out by a professional though!
879623
I actually have TMJ, and it doesn't make any noise at all when I eat... so I think the two aren't always connected, but it seems like they could be. My jaw only makes a clicking noise when I open it wide.\n\nIf you have TMJ, they might recommend braces to get your jaw re-aligned. That's what they told me I needed, but I decided to live with the TMJ for now, until I either strike it rich or braces become cheaper..\n\nI would definately see a dentist about it eventually, especially if it's starting to hurt or anything.
809024
hmm, it sounds like 3-4 hours, that would be when you might have eaten something?  What are you eating?  It could be something you are chewing or crunching that is irritating your TMJ.  The TMJ ones I get are similiar to migraines but not as bad and pain meds don't touch them.  \n\nFeel around the jaw and joint, do you feel any hard spots like spasmed muscles?  Anything hurt?  Do your temples hurt?  \n\nTry warm, moist heat on the temples and jaw area.  Also inside your mouth way back behind your upper molars or if you have wisdom teeth, there is a muscle that you can press on like a trigger point that helps.  I get alot of pain in my forehead too, another thing that helps is to rub something with menthol on the forehead and jaw area and right where the jaw line meets the ears, it helps relax the muscles and deaden pain.\n\nhope that helps.
1098279
TMJ manifests itself in many different ways. soreness in the joint, headaches, sore muscles in the neck, shoulder , and back- sometimes ear aches. the level of discomfort ranges from mildly irritating to excruciating\n\nthe initial treatment is often a night guard and there are different styles of nightguards so you may have to try more than one to get the right one for you.
923880
Book an appointment at your local GUM clinic. put your mind at rest! if you have any of these they can be easily treated.
497183
Hope this helps - did some digging for you:\n\nThe TMJ: "TMJ" stands for TemporoMandibular Joint, or the jaw joint. You have two TMJs, one in front of each ear, connecting the lower jaw bone (the mandible) to the skull. The joints allow movement up and down, side to side, and forward and back—all the mobility necessary for biting, chewing and swallowing food, for speaking and for making facial expressions. \n\nTMJ Diseases/Disorders: Temporomandibular joint diseases and disorders, commonly called TMJ, are a collection of poorly understood conditions characterized by pain in the jaw and surrounding tissues and limitations in jaw movements. Injury and conditions that routinely affect other joints in the body, such as Arthritis, also affect the temporomandibular joint. \n\nWho is Affected by TMJ Diseases/Disorders: The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that over 10 million people in the United States suffer from TMJ problems at any given time. While both men and women experience TMJ problems, the majority of those seeking treatment are women in their childbearing years. \n\nCauses: Not all causes are known. Some possible causes or contributing factors are injuries to the jaw area, various forms of Arthritis, dental procedures, genetics, hormones, low-level infections, auto-immune diseases, stretching of the jaw as occurs with inserting a breathing tube before surgery, and clenching or grinding of the teeth. \n\nDiagnosis: Diagnosing TMJ diseases and disorders can be difficult and confusing. For example, facial pain can be a symptom of many conditions, such as sinus or ear infections, decayed or abscessed teeth, various types of headache, and facial neuralgia (nerve-related facial pain). \n\nAt present, there is no widely accepted, standard test to correctly identify all TMJ conditions. In most cases, however, a complete evaluation, including a detailed medical history, the patient’s description of symptoms, and physical examination of the head, neck, face and jaw provide information useful for making a diagnosis. \n\nTests that are recommended are often intended to rule out other possible medical conditions. A diagnosis of TMJ diseases and disorders may be made only after every other possibility has been considered and eliminated. Many TMJ patients see multiple healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians, dentists, sleep specialists, ear, nose and throat specialists, neurologists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, pain specialists, chiropractors, etc., in their search for answers. \n\nBefore undergoing any costly diagnostic test, it is always wise to get an independent opinion from another healthcare provider of your choice and one not associated with your current provider. \n\nProgression of TMJ Diseases and Disorders: Some TMJ problems improve on their own, without treatment, within weeks or months with simple home therapy. For others, symptoms worsen over time and develop into long-term, persistent and debilitating pain. Most people with TMJ problems have relatively mild or periodic symptoms. \n\nSymptoms: Pain is the most common symptom. TMJ pain is often described as a dull aching pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear, which comes and goes. Some people, however, report no pain, but still have problems using their jaws. Other symptoms can include: \nBeing unable to open the mouth comfortably \nClicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint \nLocking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth \nHeadaches \nA bite that feels uncomfortable or “off” \nNeck, shoulder and back pain \nSwelling on the side of the face \n\nAdditional symptoms may include: ringing in the ears, ear pain, decreased hearing, dizziness and vision problems. \n\nKeep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common, and is not always a cause for concern. Many people with certain TMJ problems g
543921
Sounds like TMJ.  You definately want to see a doctor about it.  He will most likely tell you to wear a mouth guard at night to prevent you from clenching your jaw while you are sleeping.
797855
This is called TMJ.  Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard or you can pick one up at a local drugstore.  If a guard it not used you risk damaging your teeth good luck
48125
If you grind your teeth on a regular basis, getting a bite plate for when you sleep is very helpful. I had one all through high school, and it really helped.\n\nIn college and later, I stopped the grinding but my TMJ still acted up. I avoid foods that involve repetitive chewing (gum, taffy, very tough steak). Some days I may take ibuprofen, which really helps the pain. Eating apples by cutting them up instead of taking a big bite (puts a strain on the jaw) helps as well.\n\nIf it's still pretty serious, it's worth it to talk to your dentist to find out other options. For serious TMJ, there are surgery options available. Good luck! Hope you feel better soon.
1112574
I feel your pain.  I got TMJ after braces too.  But mine doesn't seem to be as bad as yours.  Just popping and pain and locking of my Jaw.  I sort of learned to deal with it cuz the treatments are too expensive.
190410
I had TMJ for several years (so bad sometimes that I couldn't open my jaw wide enough to eat a hamburger) and did jaw exercises and massages with just minor improvement.  About five years after that, I started seeing a chiropractor for a sore neck and back.  The chiropractic adjustments actually relieved the TMJ; I rarely notice any issues anymore.
867043
TMJ is caused when your jawbone shifts slightly out of alignment with the joint. You may also experience shifting or cracking of the jaw.  Tooth griding can be a cause but it's not true 100% of the time...it wasn't the case with me and I suffered TMJ for well over a month.\nThere is also a school of thought that suggests that it is also a result of low magnesuim levels...I started taking a daily vitamin as well...don't know if it helps TMJ but it couldn't hurt it.\nGo to the ER or your doc and ask for a script of novo-naprox.  Also mention that you aren't sleeping and perhaps try a sleeping pill...if you aren't sleeping then you cannot heal.\nAs for eating stick to soft foods (soups, oatmeal, ice cream!) but no meats or hard veggies...your jaw needs time to heal, not to work out at this point.\nAlso ice the pain as often as you can and eventually everything will shift back to normal.  You may not even need to see the specialist.\nI feel your pain...good luck.
612259
i have been taking anti-depressants for the last 2 1/2 years or so, mostly zoloft, and paxil for a short while. i began to experience teeth grinding/jaw clenching soon after i initially started on the anti-depressants. i have since been diagnosed with tmj. no surgery has been required yet, but i am wearing through the mouthguard something fearsome, and am still in pain. i have since quit the anti-depressants all together. a class action suit might be a good idea.
837772
Be honest ask for other options.  Be willing to try a multi facited approach to pain.  Meds are only part of the long term solution.  A second opinion might be uselful