Anyone Here Have Experience with TMJ? Is That What I Have?

[kiel]

Hi guys, I wanted to ask about this on a dedicated TMJ forum, but there aren't many out there, and none that seem as active as this site, so I wanted to ask a few questions here. I hope that's alright. Anyway, I've been having some major issues with the jaw over the past week or so. It just started one night when eating dinner. I opened my mouth and heard a loud "CRACK" noise coming from jaw, and ever since then, I've been having multiple problems that just won't go away.

I hear that same cracking/popping noise whenever I chew/talk too much or open my mouth too wide, and it's followed by sharp pain. Also, the left side of my jaw (where the noise is coming from) is sore all the time, and my jaw ju st feels kind of stuff at times, as well. This is all kinds freaking me out, to be honest, and I'm not really sure where to go from here? Should I try to see a doctor/dentist, and if so, which kind? Is this something that could go away on it's own. Is there anything I could do to make it better in the meantime, if it is TMJ.

Again, sorry for asking this on a Tinnitus related forum (I do have Tinnitus, btw). I just wasn't really sure where to turn with this, and I understand that some Tinnitus sufferers do have TMJ as well. So, anyone with TMJ experience think this is TMJ, or have any advice for me? Any info would be very much appreciated.

 

[glynis]

Sounds like your cartilge might have slipped from where it should be.
Jaw physio can help and wearing a mouth guard .
See your dentist and go from there.
Love glynis x

 

[kiel]

Thanks, @glynis . Already made an appointment with my dentist, and will go from there.

 

[Samir]

This does sound like TMD for sure, and you should see a dentist about it. There are dentists that specialize in bite physiology, but your regular dentist should be your first stop. They should know where to send you if you need to see a different kind of dentist - a specialist or a sub-specialist. Your dentist may take x-rays of the whole jaw and joints, a so called panoramic radiograph, as a way to prepare you for the visit to the specialist. These machines are not loud so you don't have to worry about that part.

Depending on your particular case of TMD they may suggest different kind of treatments for it, but the first line of treatment is usually non-invasive where you specific jaw exercises. The last measure is invasive joint surgery which may or may not involve disc replacement. What kind of surgery you get depends a lot on the severity of your particular case of TMD. I mean there are cases where people can't even open their mouth to drink a glass of water, their jaw gets completely locked and they have no other option but to undergo surgery, unfortunately.

I know a thing or two about TMD because I have it myself. I have done some reading on it. Mine is not a severe case or even at moderate level, but it's unpleasant nevertheless. It kind of developed slowly, like so many things do as we age, and I only started to investigate it when I started hearing sharp and loud cracking sounds when chewing or opening my mouth wide open, just like you describe.

I haven't done anything about mine yet, because I can't get care from our public healthcare system. Been on the waiting list for nearly 9 months now. Been bugging and begging them to hurry the hell up. Then I just gave up. I can't afford to go to a private clinic. There are not that many private clinics here anyway, since the whole healthcare system is publicly funded, and most certainly not for something like jaw and joint problems which is a medical specialty. I might have to go abroad to get it done if I decide to do it privately. The good thing is that it is not painful so I can get by despite TMD, and I try to be thoughtful of the way I chew my food, which is unfortunately easier said than done. Chewing is almost an autonomous process for us.

For the record, TMJ refers to the joint, TMD refers to the dysfunction of the joint.

 

[kiel]

@Samir , thank you very much for the incredibly detailed response! It makes me feel a bit better to know that going to my dentist is the right thing to do, and that there are lots of treatment options. I also really sympathize with you not being able to get the healthcare that you need. I'm lucky in that I'm on Medicaid (in the US) now and most things are covered for me, but I have many family members who don't have coverage at all, and it's a really terrible thing, indeed. I wish you well, and I hope you can get the help you need, man. At any rate, thx again for the very detailed response, as it's made me feel a bit better, even as my current Jaw pain (and of course, that horrible Tinnitus) threatens to drive me up a wall. ☺

 

[Samir]

@kiel, glad I could help! Hang in there! Going to the dentist is absolutely the first stop. Don't hesitate to ask me directly if you have any additional questions.

 

[kiel]

Well, actually, there is one thing, @Samir . If I actually needed some kind of jaw surgery (I certainly hope I don't!), could that affect my Tinnitus, or make it worse? I always get really nervous with any Dental stuff honestly, because the face and jaw and ears and all that are kinda connected in there, y'know? So, would you know if of these jaw procedures could affect my ears or my T?