What are some at-home treatments for severe TMJ pain and discomfort?!
Question: What are some at-home treatments for severe TMJ pain and discomfort!?
My insurance refuses to pay for any further treatment of my TMJ disorder!. I'm only 19, and suffer severe pain constantly!. My upper back, shoulders, and neck constantly feel as though they are on fire, and my posture is beginning to show this!. I've learned to ignore it, but I know if I'm feeling this bad now, with no treatment, it's just going to get worse!.
I had an MRI done and went to see a TMJ specialist!. Apparently the discs in my jaw on both sides are anteriorly dislocated!. He gave me a splint, and it made the popping worse on the right side!. The right side is numb over the joint, and the muscles all along my face and around my ears always feel tight, as though they're pulling my jaw in all the wrong directions!. My ears are always plugging up too!. Simply eating an apple slice, for instance, will cause my ear to plug up!.
I'm a student, and my widowed mother doesn't make very much money!. We don't know what to do, as my pain is getting worse!. This started about 3 to 4 years ago!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
I had an MRI done and went to see a TMJ specialist!. Apparently the discs in my jaw on both sides are anteriorly dislocated!. He gave me a splint, and it made the popping worse on the right side!. The right side is numb over the joint, and the muscles all along my face and around my ears always feel tight, as though they're pulling my jaw in all the wrong directions!. My ears are always plugging up too!. Simply eating an apple slice, for instance, will cause my ear to plug up!.
I'm a student, and my widowed mother doesn't make very much money!. We don't know what to do, as my pain is getting worse!. This started about 3 to 4 years ago!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
It sounds like you need to see a doctor again if you are getting worse!. But since you asked about at-home treatments, here is what my dentist told me to do:
- For pain with stiffness: Microwave a wet washcloth for 30 - 45 seconds, then apply to the area!.
- For pain without stiffness: Apply a cold compress to the area!.
- Gently stretch your jaw muscles by opening your mouth while keeping your lips together!.
- Restrict hard or chewy foods that make your jaw muscles work overtime, and don't chew gum!.
- Over the counter pain relievers can help as well - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Aleve are the ones to try (Tylenol doesn't always get the job done)!.
- Try some relaxation exercises or practice meditation!. Stress plays a huge role in TMJ pain!.
I'm not a medical professional, so that's all the advice I can give you, but I truly hope you're able to get the help you need to feel better!. Best of luck to you!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
- For pain with stiffness: Microwave a wet washcloth for 30 - 45 seconds, then apply to the area!.
- For pain without stiffness: Apply a cold compress to the area!.
- Gently stretch your jaw muscles by opening your mouth while keeping your lips together!.
- Restrict hard or chewy foods that make your jaw muscles work overtime, and don't chew gum!.
- Over the counter pain relievers can help as well - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Aleve are the ones to try (Tylenol doesn't always get the job done)!.
- Try some relaxation exercises or practice meditation!. Stress plays a huge role in TMJ pain!.
I'm not a medical professional, so that's all the advice I can give you, but I truly hope you're able to get the help you need to feel better!. Best of luck to you!.Www@Answer-Health@Com