Thinking maybe this much pain isn't normal

I will be making an appointment with my gp soon to talk about my concerns, but I thought I would post what I'm experiencing here to read what all of you have to say.

I have a very severe case of TMJ in both of my jaw joints.  The right side I no longer have the disk at all, and the left side is in bad shape as well.  It's been a long time since I've had any updated scans, but I do have a myofacial surgeon who I touched base with last week.  The main problem with my TMJ is stress.  I don't grind at all, but I clench so hard that I cracked the first splint I ever had and the second one has bite grooves all around it.  My surgeon has since told me to stop wearing it all together.  The stress and the non-stop clenching creates awful spasms that are more pain than I can really take.  Now, TMJ of course leads to shoulder, back and neck pain.  But the aching I have all through my back etc.  I'm wondering if it's something like fibro.  I don't exercise, so I've always thought that b/c I'm not active, don't stretch...this is the reason I'm so stiff and sore.  I just read something about fibro that really got my attention--about the pain first thing in the morning.  I can relate to that definitely.

I've really thought all this time that it's all b/c I don't exercise.  I do some walking everyday...I walk at my job, take our dog for short walks...But I'm just in a lot of pain.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.  Something else I would be concerned about is that I would not want any medication b/c of the meds I'm on for my bipolar illness.  I'm not a big fan of pills.  Anyway, thanks for reading.

Check out the Fibro 101 thread...the second thread on the first page of the forum.  There are links to some good information.  One, called Great Stretching Exercises, really helps and they are done sitting down.  So, if you have a desk job, these are especially helpful.  There is also a list of symptoms of fibro in the Fibro 101 thread.  You may "see" yourself there.

I take a supplement of malic acid and magnesium that has helped me a lot.  I will bump up the thread about it so you can read up on it.  Be sure to check it out with your doctor and pharmacist first.  My doctor thought I was wasting my time and money but said it wouldn't hurt me so I tried it and I am so glad I did.  I also take ibuprofen and Tylenol to help control the pain.  This is all I take as far as medication.

Try hot showers, rice bags, light massage therapy, etc.  These seem to help.  Moist heat is very helpful.

Let us know how your doctor's appointment goes!  Hope to hear more from you soon.

 Sherrine