10:16 pm ~ 
Filed Under:
Health/Beauty
My jaw hurts so bad. It’s been hurting for a while but it’s getting progressively worse. I have TMJ but my medical doctor says it’s a dental issue and my dentist says it’s a medical issue. I’m finding out that this is a very common problem (finding out who will treat what) and most people end up just having to deal with it because no one will cover any kind of treatment. The only thing I’ve been told is to take nutritional supplements to make sure I’m getting all the vitamins and minerals that I need. It was better while I was pregnant, but a lot of things improve with pregnancy and return after delivery. Such as my chronic head aches. They were, for the most part, gone and have now started coming back. The TMJ no doubt contributes to my head aches. I just wish there was something I could do about it since neither of my doctors/dentist think that it’s their area to treat. It’s so bad, my jaw clicks on the right side every time I open my mouth and some times it gets stuck and I have to wiggle my jaw back and forth until it pops back to where it will open. UGH. My head has hurt all day because of this. I’m going to lay down and watch a movie with the hubby. 
October 27th, 2007 at 6:23 am
Get some MSM. It’s a herbal supplment and it really works. I have TMJ too and general tense muscles. You can get a mouthpiece you can wear while sleeping (sexy, huh?) to stop you grinding in your sleep too. I find if you grab your bottom row of teeth and the sort of hold them while you stretch your jaw it helps also. Not exactly something you wanna do in public tho lol
October 27th, 2007 at 9:23 am
I also have TMJ Sarah, and I would highly recommend going to see either an oral surgeon or an oralmaxillofacial doctor who specifically treats TMJ. I’ve had so many things done - for awhile, I was getting ultrasound on my jaw and shoulder/neck/back massages (which was deemed as physical therapy and covered by my insurance since it was for medical purposes). I’ve been on muscle relaxants and prescription pain killers.
I would highly recommend going to see a specialist to determine whether its a joint problem or a muscle problem. Also, my doctor recommended taking ibuprofen (you can take up to 3200 mg a day, but I don’t know if thats different for you considering breast feeding and such). Also, hot and cold compresses work.
I’m sorry it hurts - I certainly empathize with you!