TMJ Support Group

I dealt with bad TMJ issues for 6-7 years after a broken jaw. I had a CONSTANT, dull aching pain and clicking in my jaw joint, eyes felt pressure, swollen face, bite was off, constant tension, depression etc. I saw doctors, dentists, oral surgeons, chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists. I got some different answers depending on their experience and/or agenda. Most recommended the bite guard. I went through three kinds/brands of bite guards, all leading me to clench just as hard as before. I was prescribed painkillers and muscle relaxers which did not help. I was even told by one dentist (after viewing x rays he did) that my jaw was actually deteriorating (got multiple confirmations from other professionals this was NOT the case by any means).

To get to the point, I went through a lot of money and "specialists" before finding a TMJ physical therapy clinic in my area that actually helped. This was the first time I actually felt some lasting relief. I recommend finding a TMJ physical therapist who does work INSIDE your mouth (massages masseter muscle and other connective tissues) and will do neck stretches. They will also give you stretches to do at home. I had previously researched massages and stretches I could do myself, but it never seemed to help. I actually needed to go see someone who knew what they were doing. Please see someone who is a TMJ physical therapist not a general one or sports therapist. A lot of TMJ problems (not all) come from muscle issues which must be manually worked with by a professional.

I am still not 100% (I should be more consistent with my stretches and focus on my posture), but I am MUCH MUCH better off than before, and the best part was that I actually found out why I had TMJ issues and a way to help it. Hopefully this helps someone out there. Feel free to message me with any questions.

I should look into that, I started off with Migraines, so my primary doc sent me to have a ct scan w/ink, then to a neurologist, then to a phy ther, then to an eye dr, and to an allergist, well after all that Im back with the neuro & he prescribed Neurontin which took the edge off for the 1st week but didn't fix it, I have a dentist appt next week to get fitted with a proper mouth guard( the one I use you boil & bite). in the mean time he increased my neurontin & I had every side effect thre could be so Im back down to the 1st dose, spoke to him & he said thats the only med for tmj related migraines.. grr no tylenol advil nothing helps, today is day 3 of my migraine, eyes are blurred, jaw tight, teeth hurt, sinuses... all of it are in pain.. I cant see a fitted mouth guard doing anythng differnt... Im still going to clench no matter whats in between my teeth... hes not willing to do anyhting else... think its time to look for a new neuro... I def can relate to your stroy, how often did you go for phys ther? is that the one thing thats helped you?

Sorry, I just saw this response. All of my biteguards were from different dentists, all adjusted to my bite. Yes, the physical therapist was the only thing that put me on the right path and helped me. I started off going twice a week then tapered off to not having to go at all (this was over a 6-9 month period). The therapist would do monthly tests, checking for improvements in pain and the movements of my neck and jaw. I would look for a physical therapy office that specializes in musculoskeletal dysfunction. I'm not saying it will work for everyone, but it definitely worked for me after a lot of trial and error elsewhere. Good Luck!

Hi my 19 year old son is having really bad tmj pain. I'm interested in what type on physical therapy helped.

Last year he saw one that was meant deal with TMJ. She tried to strech his jaw, casuing massive pain that set him back for months.

He is now seeing one that did massage on his jaw muscles (exteranl only as well as temple and neck muscles) First treatment hurt like hell but his jaw actually did have more movement and free. However it tightened back up within the week. Therapist says his muscles feel like concrete and thinks that scar tissue in his joint maybe involved which may require surgery.

Was your treatment a massage working on trigger points? Did you ever go backwards in symptoms?

My son is on medications, has a splint, and is having x-rays and MRI done this week.

Thank you for posting as its wonderful hearing what helps

Hi my 19 year old son is having really bad tmj pain. I'm interested in what type on physical therapy helped.

Last year he saw one that was meant deal with TMJ. She tried to strech his jaw, casuing massive pain that set him back for months.

He is now seeing one that did massage on his jaw muscles (exteranl only as well as temple and neck muscles) First treatment hurt like hell but his jaw actually did have more movement and free. However it tightened back up within the week. Therapist says his muscles feel like concrete and thinks that scar tissue in his joint maybe involved which may require surgery.

Was your treatment a massage working on trigger points? Did you ever go backwards in symptoms?

My son is on medications, has a splint, and is having x-rays and MRI done this week.

Thank you for posting as its wonderful hearing what helps

I'm really sorry to hear about your son. This is the physical therapy practice that helped me, http://www.orthopedicptinc.com/ (may give you an idea of what they do) although my PT has since started her own practice in the area (sure you can call and ask if interested). My treatment did not work specifically on trigger points, mostly intense massage/manipulation of the masseter and neck muscles. I did not have any setbacks, just a bit of soreness after starting. Think if you contracted your bicep for 8 hrs (clenching overnight) and then needed to stretch it back out. It will feel very sore and not used to that position. I'm not a medical professional, just someone who's gone to a lot of "specialists", so I can't say what would or wouldn't help, but this is what helped me. If he did not have a prior injury, I would certainly think it would be a muscle issue. Definitely hold off on any surgeries or permanent adjustments until all other methods are exhausted. Feel free to message me with any other questions.

I as well have been thru massage therapy, accupuncture, physical therapy, etc. Nothing really lasts for very long. My surgeon recommended Botox into the TMJ. It actually worked! It actually "numbs" the muscles for a long period of time, usually lasting 6 months. The downside is that it is expensive and not usually covered by insurance. Oh, and your TMJs get tired if you try to chew too much I'm trying to find alternate, permanant solutions. Has anyone had accupunture work for them?