[steffiegirl815]

I have TMJ. I've had my jaw lock up on me twice now, and it is always clicking. The stress on my jaw causes headaches and dental problems. I was told to go see an oral surgeons, but the only one in my area that deals with TMJ is not very good. I've talked to my dentist, but she doesn't have many suggestions. Where should I go to get relief from TMJ pain?

[dcrider125]

I have it also. one time mine was locked for 5 days had to go to the oral surgeon who numbed my whole jaw, dislocated it and put it back... my best suggestions is don't eat very chewy things (starburst, gum) or hard foods, that makes the click more painful. There really is no long term relief besides surgery and I have heard the surgery sucks! Just have to be careful what you eat

[maamu]

Then go to a city where they have a good surgeon. Life is too short to put up with those symptoms. That would drive me batty listening to that clicking all the time. You deserve to feel better, make an appointment an go.

[frigidx]

If you can get an appointment with someone in oral surgery, they can make you an oral insert that is like a teeth whitening mouth piece that you wear when you go to sleep at night. Now, I'm not sure if it has to be specifically fitted to your mouth, but I'm almost 90% sure that you do. I have this as well, and am waiting for an appointment as we speak. This happens because of grinding your teeth in the night, or clenching your jaw in you sleep. It is also found that it is stress induced. But how do you control this in your unconscious sleep? Good question. I'm going to ask this when I go in.....

I have TMJ and when I went to the orthodontist he put me in a splint to realign my jaw to a proper position for 6 months(you can take it in and out like a retainer) then I was fitted with braces. Hot compresses and avoiding chewy or crunchy hard foods also helps. A mild muscle relaxer and advil or motrin also are helpful.