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Possible new lifelong TMJ diagnosis - Frightened

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Posted 4/21/2015 11:50 AM (GMT 0)
At first I thought I was in for some good news. My Chiro told me my jaw was out of alignment, and since I'm still having trouble breathing unless I use the "forward-head" posture, I ended up on a mass Google-spree. I found the forward-head posture helps people with TMJ. Also there is a link between TMJ and all the symptoms I've experienced these last few years. The trouble breathing, post nasal drip, lump in throat and even LPR itself have been linked to TMJ. I don't have pain yet, but not everybody with TMJ does.

There's a problem with that though. At least LPR had a possible cure with the LINX surgery I've been chasing. TMJ has NO CURE. Not one. Not even surgery. I don't know if this is scaremongering on the internet's part or not, but the people on forums like these have no reason to lie.I'm also terrified the Chiropractor I've gone to, who adjusted my jaw that day, has made me worse.

I'm now frightened that I've gone from a little bit of hope of a permanent, 100% cure to none whatsoever. I refuse to live a full lifetime like this, and I badly need a cure. If I can get rid of these symptoms, I can cure the anxiety too. PLEASE tell me there's a cure, please!!

Post Edited (Daxter) : 4/21/2015 6:37:36 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/21/2015 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
I have TMJ but don't have any symptoms such as trouble breathing , my symptoms are jaw clicking and teeth grinding the grinding is pretty severe .
But I didn't think that TMJ is a big deal ?!
Posted 4/21/2015 3:54 PM (GMT 0)

Rn1987 said...
I have TMJ but don't have any symptoms such as trouble breathing , my symptoms are jaw clicking and teeth grinding the grinding is pretty severe .
But I didn't think that TMJ is a big deal ?!

I probably wouldn't mind if it was clicking etc; that I could take more time to fix. However this is my breathing we're talking about. TMJ affects the sinuses and airways in my case, causing obstructions and possibly sleep apnae, but I haven't been able to test for apnae yet. I think my Chiro made me much worse though, instead of better-! Unless I bend over my neck, say to look at a phone screen, my airways are blocked by my tongue.
Posted 4/21/2015 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Dax,

You could look into seeking a TMJ specialist in your area...or even an orthodontist.

You could have a custom mouthgaurd made for treatment...

...or PT/exercises or in the most extreme cases, surgery is an option. I am not sure why you were told it is not?

Here is a link I found that might be helpful for you.

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/tmj-disorder-temporomandibular-joint/138871-what-type-dr-do-you-see-your-tmj.html


Deep breaths, use your coping skills to manage your anxiety...you are getting closer to your answers and treatment that you need...this is good news!

S.C.

Posted 5/12/2015 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
RN1987, TMJ is a huge deal....if you have it, or at least an aggressive form. It can be very crippling and ruin quality of life. And Daxter, you are correct, there is no cure for it. There are some procedures and treatments that can help, but it will never go away. If you think you may have TMJ talk to your doctor, it is not really a dental issue, and see if they will do a cone scan and MRI to see what is going on in there. Best of luck and I hope you never get the painful form of it.

A nnie
Posted 5/12/2015 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
I have TMJ, and my dentist made me a dental appliance that clips onto my lower jaw. He made it so that it realigns my jaw to where it is supposed to be. Correct, it is not a cure, but it certainly makes it easier to live with. I wear it when ever I feel pain/tiredness in my jaw/TMJ.
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