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Posted 3/2/2012 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all, I'm new here. After a root canal a year ago I've been in a descending spiral of neck, shoulder, and facial pain and muscle spasm. Recently diagnosed as myofascial pain disorder of the masticatory muscles, TMJ, basically.

I've been researching the overlap between fibro, TMJ, IBS, vulvodynia and other disorders that predominately affect women. It is fascinating, in terms of a territory for research, but also - for those of us who suffer - horrible, because there is not yet a known cure.

For those of you with TMJ symptoms with fibro - what have you taken that's worked. I am at the edge of my wits. I'm on nortriptyline 10 mg at night, and Valium, 2 mg. I have a bite plate. (Doesn't everyone?) But I am in a great deal of pain still.

I have two young kids, and I don't know how to explain to them how "Mommy can't do things, and how Mommy is crying."
Posted 3/3/2012 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome sapidus- I was wondering have you been diagnosed with fibro also? I use to have problems with TMJ years ago. I finally found out was caused mine. My jaw would lock up also. As long as I stay away from crunchy things or chewy things I do well. If I choose to eat Carmel or things similiar I ask for the pain. I hope you find some relief. I know others on this site suffer from TMJ also. I hope you learn something here.
Posted 10/17/2012 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have experienced pain in my jaw and neck as well after a root canal. I have a mouth guard from my dentist and that helps a little bit. (sometimes more that others) But I still wake up with pain in my Jaw and neck. My doctor gave me a muscle relaxer to take for my jaw at night but that doesn't work all the time. I just need help!!  I have been told to go to therapy which I think would help but it is 3 hours away.  I also take Lyrica daily to help control my Migraine Headaches, This has really helped me. My migraines were affecting my daily life.
Posted 10/17/2012 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Breathing techniques can help loosen the jaw muscles. Wet heat on the jaw hinge can help, as well.

Focus on in-breaths and out-breaths, and imagine sending the air to the jaw joint area, massaging and filling it up with air.

You can also gently massage the joint in small circular motions.
Posted 10/18/2012 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
 

   Myself gave you some good pointers for TMJ.   I know this kind of pain full well.  I suddenly got TMJ a little over a yr

   ago. I ate some really hard to chew nachos and the pain was awful.  My dentist and doctor both said it was TMJ. The 

   mouth gaurd did not help me.  It did eventually get better with time. 

   The moist heat seemed to help more than anything else. I would use a hot wash cloth.  Massaging inside and outside

   did help too.  I was told once you get it you pretty much have it for the rest of your life.   The good news is it will get 

   better. And I have had a few small flare ups from time to time, but nothing like the first time!

  

   I really think I may have caused my TMJ from chewing gum too much. My one vice!

   I just want to encourage you, it will get better.

      

 

Posted 10/18/2012 5:58 AM (GMT 0)
Physical therapy is what helped me with TMJ. Also learning when I was tightening my neck and jaw muscles to stop and relax the face. Avoid stress, don't clench teeth when angry. Learn to deal with emotions in a positive way. Yoga helps as do not eating sticky hard or things you have to tear with front teeth. Turned out, once I became aware of my body actions, that most of my clenching and tightening was when I was driving. It is worse when my husband drives, but that is a different post devil .  I now know to rest my mouth with the tonque gently touching palatte behind front top teeth. Put your tongue there and say the alphabet several times a day as an exersize. If you have an electric toothbrush, turn the smooth back of brush to massage inside mouth in joint area about five minutes on each side and vibrate the handle of it on the outside of your face along the jaw and down neck on sides. Use hand to massage back of neck and shoulders while listening to relaxing music. Also, watch you posture, especially when sitting. That is what works for me.
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