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Living with TMD

If you don’t already know I have TMD which is emporomandibular disorders. The dentist discovered it earlier this year when I was in South Carolina and had to have dental surgery. TMD is where the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head is damaged.

What dentist discovered is that because I grind my teeth at night I managed to damage my hing on one side. What that means is I now get these horrid headaches where the entire right side of my face hurts. I mean if you even touch my face I want to scream. There are several treatments with one being surgery. Right now I can control mine by lowering my stress levels which allows my jaw to relax. I can also take pain medication if the pain gets to be more than I can bear. Not to mention so funny looking exercises that I do.

Hot and cold compresses helps but I have discovered that eating certain things like potato chips or stress really set it off. Stress is big one for me and since February I have manged to have at least one attack a month. There have been a few weeks where it goes on for several days. You don’t really realize how much something like your jaw can affect your life until it is in pain. The dentist said to reduce my stress levels, well that is much easier said than done. I am a natural worrier and my stress levels are always high.

I am learning to let go and relax although to be honest  that happens more often when I am forced than voluntarily.

Rita
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I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.

Comments

  1. I have heard of this condition and I am sorry to hear that you have this. To reduce stress levels can be very hard to do in this world that we live in. There is so many responsibilities that we carry, and I know that praying really helps me with my back. My back is in pain and I got therapy which really helps. But pain is a terrible thing to deal with! I will be praying for you!

  2. I am so sorry to hear this. I have often wondered if I have this, though my symptoms are not nearly as severe as yours. I wish you the best in your efforts to relax – it’s harder than it sounds!

  3. I have heard about this before, Mine bothers me sometimes but not to the level you have. Sorry to hear that your case is so bad. I hope that are are able to find ways to relieve your stress. How about that upcoming spa day? Maybe that will help for a few days at least.

  4. My mother had trouble with TMD. She only really had sporadic problems but it caused pain. She used relaxation techniques and finally got a mouthpiece to sleep in.

  5. So sorry to hear that you are having such a bad time with this. I clinch my teeth sometimes at night and I know how hard it can be to try and make yourself relax your jaw enough to go to sleep. I don’t know if you believe in it, but acupuncture might help. My dad got it for headaches (they actually did it to his ear) and they disappeared. Best of luck!

  6. I have this and it stinks. It helps if you get in the habit of keeping you lips together and teeth apart. I also wear my night guard and that helps a lot. Good luck!

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