How to alleviate jaw pain

Nanazolie

Hi

I'm waiting for an appointment at the dentist to check that my teeth are not the culprit, but I suspect it's (as usual) my jaw. I have a bad history of TMJ and recurring neuralgia. I have a good bite guard which I wear religiously. However, every now and then, a stressful episode will see me clench during the day, starting a cycle of pain which starts from my cheek, radiates through my lower teeth, generates more clenching, sensitivity, and generally ends with full scale pain on the whole side of my face. The only respite I get is during the night and on waking as my jaw is protected by the bite guard.

I need some advice to alleviate the pain when it starts, usually mid morning, so I don't end up with a face so sore I can't even stand the lights in the evening. Massages worsen it. Pills destroy my stomach. Heat helps, but only a few minutes.

Thanks

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Can you wear your guard during the day?

Dianthus

It sounds horrific; you have my every sympathy.
Short-term, the only solution may be to wear your guard during the daytime also, as soon as you notice yourself clenching. & as you say, to see your dentist to ensure there are no other aggravating factors.
Long-term, whatever stress is causing the whole situation must be reduced& ideally eliminated completely. CBT, breathing techniques, yoga, changes to work/personal life, can all make a huge difference.
Your body is trying - forcing itself, really- to tell you something here. The splint will protect your teeth, but you also need to protect yourself.

coathanger

Nanazolie wrote: »

Hi

I'm waiting for an appointment at the dentist to check that my teeth are not the culprit, but I suspect it's (as usual) my jaw. I have a bad history of TMJ and recurring neuralgia. I have a good bite guard which I wear religiously. However, every now and then, a stressful episode will see me clench during the day, starting a cycle of pain which starts from my cheek, radiates through my lower teeth, generates more clenching, sensitivity, and generally ends with full scale pain on the whole side of my face. The only respite I get is during the night and on waking as my jaw is protected by the bite guard.

I need some advice to alleviate the pain when it starts, usually mid morning, so I don't end up with a face so sore I can't even stand the lights in the evening. Massages worsen it. Pills destroy my stomach. Heat helps, but only a few minutes.

Thanks

I too wear a night guard & suffer from mild TMJ & my dentist said if it worsens he will refer me to a TMJ specialist! He also showed me tiny little clear plastic ( like earplugs) but way smaller & they are supposed to help with grinding & can worn in the daytime as they are virtually invisible.

Maybe check with your dentist & ask for a referral.

Nanazolie

Holly Brave Onion wrote: »

Can you wear your guard during the day?

I might try that. Thanks

Nanazolie

coathanger wrote: »

I too wear a night guard & suffer from mild TMJ & my dentist said if it worsens he will refer me to a TMJ specialist! He also showed me tiny little clear plastic ( like earplugs) but way smaller & they are supposed to help with grinding & can worn in the daytime as they are virtually invisible.

Maybe check with your dentist & ask for a referral.

You wouldn't remember the name of it, by any chance? I investigated electric current therapy, but due to the neuralgia it's not recommended

MayoForSam

Nanazolie wrote: »

coathanger wrote: »

I too wear a night guard & suffer from mild TMJ & my dentist said if it worsens he will refer me to a TMJ specialist! He also showed me tiny little clear plastic ( like earplugs) but way smaller & they are supposed to help with grinding & can worn in the daytime as they are virtually invisible.

Maybe check with your dentist & ask for a referral.

You wouldn't remember the name of it, by any chance? I investigated electric current therapy, but due to the neuralgia it's not recommended

I believe the ear implants are known as Cerezen, Google them.