Does anyone else have/ or have had TMJ/TMD?????

JasoninBoston · ‎02-18-2012

I hadn't been feeling well and the my primary care Dr. suggested I get a second opinion for diagnosis the ENT Dr. gave me. The second opinion ENT Dr. told me the headaches and dizziness experiencing the past several months is actually TMJ/ TMD.

I also had a recent change of dose to my thyroid medication and have seen a specialist for that in the meantime.

I am seeing a TMJ specialist in a few weeks and I am just curious as to what others have been through done for this same diagnosis. I have felt so horrible the past few months.....

Thank you for your input either way.

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

Yes, I have TMJ. I clench alot as a result and I do get headaches occasionally from it. My dentist said if it gets real bad, we can do some botox shots to help relax those muscles so I don't clench my jaw so much but instead of going that route, I just try to make a conscious effort to occasionally check myself and if I am clenching, to relax my jaw and do some jaw stretches. I've never had dizziness due to TMJ and don't know of anyone else who has- I've never heard of that being a symptom but I haven't really researched much about it since I was diagnosed with it at the age of 16 (now in my forties).

JasoninBoston · ‎02-18-2012

@HappyDaze wrote:
Yes, I have TMJ. I clench alot as a result and I do get headaches occasionally from it. My dentist said if it gets real bad, we can do some botox shots to help relax those muscles so I don't clench my jaw so much but instead of going that route, I just try to make a conscious effort to occasionally check myself and if I am clenching, to relax my jaw and do some jaw stretches. I've never had Thdizziness due to TMJ and don't know of anyone else who has- I've never heard of that being a symptom but I haven't really researched much about it since I was diagnosed with it at the age of 16 (now in my forties).

Thanks for your input!! It sounds like you've been able to manage things reasonably well. The issue I think I am having is the issue with my thyroid was making me experience lots of symptoms and those coupled with the TMJ issues ma feel just horrible. They have a special TMJ clinic here in Boston that I am going to in a few weeks so we'll see..... Thanks again for your reply!!

MalteseMomma · ‎03-09-2010

Maybe it is your recent change of thyroid meds.Maybe they need to be ajusted.

JasoninBoston · ‎02-18-2012

@MalteseMomma wrote:
Maybe it is your recent change of thyroid meds.Maybe they need to be ajusted.

The changes to the thyroid meds I think are actually helping. Before I was much worse--almost feeling like I couldn't function. Now I just have this horrible headache and a bit of dizziness. They even did a head MRI and an endoscopy of the nose! Which came back all clear.... Thank you so much for your concern!!

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

@JasoninBoston wrote:
@MalteseMomma wrote:
Maybe it is your recent change of thyroid meds.Maybe they need to be ajusted.
The changes to the thyroid meds I think are actually helping. Before I was much worse--almost feeling like I couldn't function. Now I just have this horrible headache and a bit of dizziness. They even did a head MRI and an endoscopy of the nose! Which came back all clear.... Thank you so much for your concern!!

wow what a thorough doctor you have, good for you!

Oh I also forgot to mention that I also get neck issues from TMJ from clenching mainly. Sore, stiff neck, etc so I have to do neck stretches to keep loose and limber.

Imadickens · ‎06-15-2016

my dd just got the results of her MRI. She's been a clenched/grinder since she was a toddler! Now, she has ruined the bone in her jaw, needing reconstruction.! Get this, : her insurance will not pay for it! She has a bleeding disorder that makes surgery for her high risk, anyway! The TMJ specialist prescribed a mouth guard . Within one week she had ground through it! So, she had to pay, again, for a bite-proof guard! Her specialist is writing the insurance with rationale, but he's not hopeful!

Never underestimate the power of kindness.

JasoninBoston · ‎02-18-2012

@HappyDaze wrote:
@JasoninBoston wrote:
@MalteseMomma wrote:
Maybe it is your recent change of thyroid meds.Maybe they need to be ajusted.
The changes to the thyroid meds I think are actually helping. Before I was much worse--almost feeling like I couldn't function. Now I just have this horrible headache and a bit of dizziness. They even did a head MRI and an endoscopy of the nose! Which came back all clear.... Thank you so much for your concern!!
wow what a thorough doctor you have, good for you!

Oh I also forgot to mention that I also get neck issues from TMJ from clenching mainly. Sore, stiff neck, etc so I have to do neck stretches to keep loose and limber.

Thanks again! I am going to do my Pilates now--which seems to help some... My neck has been bothering me too now that you mention that.... lol

JasoninBoston · ‎02-18-2012

@Imadickens wrote:
my dd just got the results of her MRI. She's been a clenched/grinder since she was a toddler! Now, she has ruined the bone in her jaw, needing reconstruction.! Get this, : her insurance will not pay for it! She has a bleeding disorder that makes surgery for her high risk, anyway! The TMJ specialist prescribed a mouth guard . Within one week she had ground through it! So, she had two pay, again, for a bite-proof guard! Her specialist is writing the insurance with rationale, but he's not hopeful!

wow! sorry to hear this. The special clinic that I am going to is out-of-network and we'll see what's covered and what's not....

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

oh and yes I use a nightguard and yes, I grind through them quite frequently. I am going to look into the kind you buy in the store instead of through the dentist because I think they make some much sturdier ones, or at least hope they do! It gets costly for sure so I'd recommend the store ones at least they aren't $300.