topic Re: Jaw pain and problems in Wellness

Jaw pain and problems

Carmie — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 18:32:07 GMT

A couple of week ago, I must have yawned in my sleep. It hurt so bad that it woke me up. After that my right jaw has been tender at the joint.

Yesterday morning, I woke up really in pain. I have no history of TMJ or problems with dental or jaw problems. The pain is now from my chin to under and around my right ear.

Now I am having a difficult time chewing. My jaw feels misaligned and when I close my mouth, the teeth on the left close together, but the teeth on the right do not. I have to use my hand and push up on my chin to get them to nest together. I have no trouble or pain when I move the jaw from left to right and back again, but it feels odd and shaky when I do that.

I have an appointment on the 19th. I might lose a ton of weight by then, it takes me forever to eat and I am reduced to applesauce.

Has this ever happened to anyone else? I wonder if my jaw " popped" out of it's joint or if that is possible.

Re: Jaw pain and problems

kitty60 — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 18:36:26 GMT

I find that if I do not sleep correctly, ie have me face evenly laid on the pillow I will experience problems with my jaw. My dentist says it is common and you can get a guard to wear that can help. I used one for years but found if I am careful I can control the prolblem. I am sensitive to jaw issues having broken my jaw many years ago.

Re: Jaw pain and problems

Krimpette — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 19:15:03 GMT

With that kind of issue, I can't believe your dentist won't see you until the 19th!!!! My dentist would see me the day I called, with your kind of pain. I hope you can prevail upon him to see you more immediately. (Or find someone who will!). Good luck. Sounds dreadful.

Re: Jaw pain and problems

FastDogWalker2 — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 19:23:09 GMT

I would consider making a physicians appointment rather wait that long. Good luck- I hope all goes well.

Re: Jaw pain and problems

SilleeMee — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 19:42:41 GMT

I experienced jaw misalignment after I had surgery on my cervical spine (neck bones). My doc said it can happen with that kind of surgery and for me there's nothing that can be done to correct my bite. I don't have any pain until I bite my cheek or tongue. I'm really careful when I eat.

eta - I also started grinding my teeth since that surgery. I don't know why I do that but maybe it's just the way my jaw wants to go back to where it used to be...who knows.

Re: Jaw pain and problems

NicksmomESQ — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 19:55:40 GMT

@Carmie The same thing happened to me a few years ago over a weekend.I went to urgent care & they gave me a painkiller & an anti inflammatory RX. I called my dentist on Monday & she saw me the next day.

My dentist said I had TMJ. She fitted me for a mouth guard.I wore it for a few months.I then learned how to sleep without grinding my upper & lower teeth together.

Whenever I begin to have a problem.I take Advil & massage the back area of my jaw.It’s been several years & with a little self care I’ve managed it very well.

Be careful about biting into hard things like bagels & corn on the cob.

Re: Jaw pain and problems

dex — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 19:56:42 GMT

@Carmie@That just recently happened to DH...went to chiropractor and he put it back in place and so far all is well.The chiropractor said he could see that my husbands face was crooked which I didn’t notice.

Re: Jaw pain and problems

2blonde — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 21:00:43 GMT

@Carmie

Yes, I also had a similar experience a couple years ago. I don't know what started it, but my jaw was definitely out of place for awhile. It would clunk so loudly sometimes when I moved it a certain way that others could hear it. Getting dental work was tricky at best, and I had to start slivering my carrots, as I couldn't bite into a whole one without flying off my chair! The good news is that it did eventually get better without any major intervention other than being extra careful. I do sometimes get a little clicking or grinding when I chew, but thankfully, no pain.

Here's another bit of info that may be of use. I have scoliosis, and in the past several years, the spinal curvature has increased to the point where it's quite obvious that my head leans to the right (I can't straighten it). I first noticed it when I realized that the left earring had become higher than the other! The lower side (right) is also the side where I have the jaw (TMJ) problem, so I think there is a relationship.

Re: Jaw pain and problems

Q4u — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 21:55:49 GMT

Try eating some baby food, maybe not the most delicious stuff but at least you'll be getting some vitamins and meat, etc. without stressing your jaw joint

I have had TMJ since I was 8. I wouldn't let anyone know I had "clicking" and pain. As a kid I instinctively gave up chewing gum and hard items. By the time I was 20, it was noticable to a dentist when I opened my mouth. All he could do make a bite plate for me which helped a bit but I tended to grind right through them (hard plastic), and were a few hundred dollars and dental insurance wouldn't cover it (considered cosmetic!!).

The next time I was in my 30's and sought out my doctor who took X Rays and said that my left side had worn down my joint considerably and the right side didn't look so good (but I didn't have symptoms on that side yet) and they wanted to operate because at that time (the 80's) they had developed great new TMJ surgeries (sure)!

My instinct said to not have this done at that time (which would include moving my teeth with braces) and cosmetic surgery to re-align my chin.... AND no way to tell if it would help the pain from the spasms from the muscle memory in the strongest set of muscles in the body.

So I developed a way to relax my jaw, mostly by putting my tongue very slightly between my teeth (with my lips closed). It's gotten so I don't even think about it anymore and it helps me.

BTW, a few years after I decided not to have all the surgery and dental work I started hearing about some of the supreme failures of the "great new TMJ surgeries" and am relieved I didn't go through it at the time. It helps to massage the joints. I'll take aspirin occasionally to relieve any swelling I think that's occuring. Advil for more severe pain.

My biggest advice would be to see your doctor and to research what he/she tells you. If there's a structural problem, yes, they can repair that however "muscle memory" can't be fixed and is rarely re-directed (even with surgery), especially in muscles as strong as those in the jaw.... could happen but often the spasms that cause the pain will continue but it's worth researchng and talking to people about...

Good luck!!

Re: Jaw pain and problems

Carmie — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 00:48:44 GMT

I spent a couple of hours this morning off and on trying to get a doctor's appointment. Some of the receptionists said they do not treat TMJ. Others said to call my dentist. I finally found an MD that will see me, but he is booked up and I will have to wait.

If I call my dentist, he will see me in 15 minutes, he always does, but I will have to pay for the x-rays, exam and consultation out of my pocket. My medical insurance does not cover dentist bills except for wisdom teeth removal and my dental does not cover jaw issues..only teeth cleanings and fillings, etc. so I need to go a provider like a MD or DO for my medical insurance to pay for it.

I have never had any problems before and it might not be TMJ. It feels like my jaw is out of alignment only on the right side. I do not grind my teeth or bite into hard foods. No accidents or injuries and no clicking. I can open my mouth wide with no problems,but can't close it the whole way.

i will try to wait it out, but if it gets too bad, I will go to urgent care.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and advice. My DH said this happened to me because I talk too much. He is probably right.

Re: Jaw pain and problems

Tabbycat — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 04:27:32 GMT

I also suggest a good chiropractor. I couldn't have a painfree day without mine. He has put back in place at least 5 - 6 rib heads. If your jaw feels out of allignment ... I say chiropractor.

Re: Jaw pain and problems

speedy girl — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 06:11:33 GMT

I really think the Dentist would be the one to help you. I've had TMJ for a few years and the Dentist has been very helpful. They have several different things they do to help your pain. Also Advil works wonders for me. Good luck, I totally understand your pain.

Re: Jaw pain and problems

Carmie — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 13:18:43 GMT

Oh Happy day! I got up this morning and everything I is back to normal. I have no pain and my jaw is aligned perfectly.

That was the weirdest thing ever and I hope never to experience that.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.