Jaw popping

TMJ.. i've had this for prolly 10 years.. its annoying, but it won't cause bells palsy.

I also had TMJ early on in my infection. I was fortunate to have mine go away after starting ABX treatment.

I've had tmj for years; had surgery for it in 1992. It's painful, but in my experience not dangerous. I am HAPPY to read a post about the joint popping. That's one of the more annoying symptoms I have. Before June, nothing popped. Since then, slowly, it's spread to pretty much every joint in my body. I was drinking a vegetarian glucosamine drink for awhile that made it significantly better (but didn't eradicate it by any means) but now that I'm on antibiotics I can't drink the drink anymore because of the sucralose. I can't swallow pills very well and haven't found a vegetarian glucosamine supplement in a small enough pill to replace the drink that was working for me. I will try drinking more water and see if that helps (though I already drink a lot to help wash toxins out and to support my low blood pressure). At least it is a comfort to know this isn't really abnormal and that other people have it too without dire consequences.

Rose

I was told by a Naturopath that the joint popping was a symptom of mild inflammation in the joints.

My Husband takes a vegetarian glucosamine & MSM supplement made by Blue Bonnet, and also another MSM supplement (to get lots of MSM). If swallowing the capsules is a problem, the powder from the capsules could be mixed with a bite of food, such as apple sauce, to make it easier to get it all down. Anyway, my Husband had very bad joint pain prior to taking the MSM/glucosamine (he has tendon damage & joint degeneration from long-term Prednisone use), but since starting the supplements, he has not had nearly the pain. He was becoming disabled from the pain before, but now he goes hiking in the mountains on weekends without any difficulty.

Also, muscle twitching/cramping could be from a lack of sufficient magnesium, calcium, potassium, and/or water (i.e., dehydration and/or electrolyte imbalance). A daily multi-vitamin/mineral will not give you enough of these electrolytes to meet your body's needs, so you might want to make sure you eat foods rich in these minerals (fruits & vegetables, nuts/seeds, etc.).

I have no financial connection with Blue Bonnet... Take care,

One of my worst symptoms during lyme was my tight jaw.  It would cause tooth pain, headaches, etc.  After 6 months of abx it is gone!  I went to chiro, dentist, periodontist, etc. and they all told me tmj.  It wasn't for me, just tight muscles caused by lyme and lyme anxiety.  Xanax also helped relax me and helped a little with anxiety.  My face would also be numb on right side which is same side as tight neck and shoulders.  Best of luck to you.

P.S.  peppermint oil - to put on jaw or pill??

Razzle - Thanks for the information about the glucosamine. Now I know what to get. I have no problem emptying capsules into food - been doing that for years. What a relief.

For people wanting to alleviate jaw and facial tension, which has been a significant problem for me for a long time, you might want to try Traumeel. It's an anti-inflammatory analgesic homeopathic medication. I got it from my chiropractor. It comes in a melt-under-your-tongue pill and in a cream. I like the cream and use it regularly on my jaw, face, and the back of my neck and across my shoulder. Good grief, I just read the ingredients and the first active ingredient is belladonna. I thought that was poison. I guess if you're interested it would be a good idea to check out the ingredients before ordering to make sure you're willing to use this stuff. I just blindly purchased it because my chiropractor told me it could help with the pain and tension, which it has.

Rose

read in nutrition guide that primrose oil helps inflammation??? anyone use that?

Primrose oil is anti-inflammatory, so is any oil that is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (esp. salmon oil). The usual way to take it is internally.

Belladonna is poisonous (it is more commonly known as "deadly nightshade"), but the homeopathic version is safe. Traumeel is a homeopathic preparation, thus is safe to use.

To prevent jaw lockups, consider trying homeopathic Hypericum.

Also, moist heat is best for tight muscles (a wet towel under a heating pad or hot water bottle, for example). Apply some lavender oil topically for relaxation...the heat will make the oil more effective.

Make sure you get essential oils that are 100% pure - many oils sold in stores have contaminants or are diluted with alcohol or carrier oils (such as olive oil) and won't have the same theraputic effect. Price is your biggest clue...less expensive oils tend to be more diluted and/or contaminated.

I will have to look up the parasite cleanse. Tonight I took my first peroxide/epsom salt cleansing bath after doing the dry body brushing. It was very relaxing. I'm guessing the parasite cleanse is something I have to ingest. Is it safe to do when taking azithromycin and mepron and artimisinin?

Rose

Finding,

Thanks for the information. I copied down the names of the things you are using and will ask my doctor about them when I see him next month. It is encouraging to hear that they are helping with your symptoms. ANYTHING I can do to feel better, if I can possibly accomplish it, I will do it.

Off the topic, but I notice both you and I joined this site in October and I'm wondering how I got to be a regular member already. Kind of like being promoted. I'm glad I'm progressing in some aspect of my life!

Rose

Yeah, if you ramble on like me, you become a veteran member, lol. I talk/type wayyyy too much.

Update on jaw popping- i got my impressions done for a night/day guard. Hopefully along with the peppermint oil this will help my chompers. Thanks so much for the tips!

Post Edited (finding721) : 10/7/2009 4:59:49 PM (GMT-6)