[Leesy]

im only 15, and ive had tmj for about four years. Its realllyyy bad, and ive gone to specialists and physio for it already but i was just wondering if anyone had some tips i could do at home that relieve the pain. I wear a mouthguard at night, im always massaging my jaw, completely stopped chewing gum, and even use deep cold when its really bad. any more tips on what i could do?

[Chubby]

Unfortunately the TMJ is a joint and there are really no"specialist"for that particular joint. Night guard is the real only option that can"help"with the problem. The guard should be help your joint relax during the night but over the counter also may help. Stress plays a role with the pain as your muscles may tighten up by jaw clinching or teeth grinding at night during your sleep, at your age it's not unusual. As you grow up and TMD will decrease a bit. It will come and go.I guess it's more information than help. Sorry I can't help further.Good luck.

[Brainbabe]

I'd try some heat instead of the cold, for pain relieving...sometimes that works better...also, why don't you take a muscle relaxer at night? Ask your doctor or dentist to prescribe Flexeril, which is an anti-spasmodic...Have you tried relieving your stress level, perhaps by exercising, meditating, etc.? Often stress makes TMJ worse, and it is so hard being a teen these days!Good luck!--BrainBabe

[Pink Cinderella]

I have TMJ too! got it when I was 17 (I am 28 now)the thing that helps the most for me is I got me a mismatched sock and filled it up with some rice from the kitchen, tied it off, and pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes then put it on your jaw. The heat really helps me and cold tend to make me worse.for some reason, my doctor wouldn't give me muscle relaxer. (I think they are really reluctant to give drugs for pain management), any ways I wear the splint although I don't think it helps much if at all. I've had the rice sock for a long time though and it does help.