Comments on: Clicking Jaw, Jaw Pain & TMJ Dysfunction Causes and Treatment

By: Aussie Lover

Aussie Lover — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 13:34:00 +0000

I am 66 years old, born with a small mouth, thus small jaw bones. Since I was young, I hated going to the dentist because my jaw would always “dislocate” and I’d have to massage it a second to get it to “pop” back in. Over the years, I think I have worn my jaw muscles or the bones down to the point they bother me all the time. After a 5 hour dental procedure to veneer my front teeth( was in chair almost 6 hours!) my jaws have been constantly aching. I will have another dental bite guard made when they are through, because I do grind my teeth at night ( several have chipped over the years). If the night guard doesn’t help, what do I do? Right now my husband finds it amusing, because I cannot talk much, but it isn’t really funny. Are cortisone injections the only choice? They never worked on me before. I am worried….

By: Scarlettkate

Scarlettkate — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 18:49:00 +0000

In reply to Nell Trent. I have cervicogenic vertigo, which can be caused by issues with your SCM process. Google that. Dysfunction in your SCM can cause a whole bunch of issues that won't show up on an MRI, or CAT or blood test. Physical therapy can really help.

By: Nell Trent

Nell Trent — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 03:29:00 +0000

In reply to Jenny Thacker. No diagnosis-- but going to try braces- and I am seeing a sports medicine doctor in November. Have you had any success??

By: Carmen Querin

Carmen Querin — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 17:53:00 +0000

Hi Dr
Im 12years old, I have an anxiety disorder, for about since I was 8, I recently noticed this weird popping in my jaw wen i bite down and I went to a specialist and he said it’s not tmj So he said it probably due to stress but wen ever I calm down or due my exercises I tend to clench my jaw I don’t know y and then after that it then starts popping only wen i bite down.

By: Jenny Thacker

Jenny Thacker — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 15:14:00 +0000

In reply to Nell Trent. I just read your story and it is exactly mine. Very freaky! I just was fitted for mouth guard. The jury is till out. Did you ever get a diagnoses and did you find relief???

By: HealthHype

HealthHype — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:27:00 +0000

In reply to Nell Trent.

Hi Nell. Many of your symptoms sound more like its nerve and muscle related but of course this can also be a result of TMJ dysfunction as well. The fact that you mention pregabalin (we cannot mention brand names) which is widely prescribed for nerve problems and have not experienced any change in symptoms does make it less liklye to be trigeminal neuralgia but does not mean that other nerve problems may not be at play here. You also do not mention if you suffer with clenching (bruxism) which could cause some of the symptoms you mention, especially when it has affected the muscles of the face and the TMJ which could also account for the one-sided facial symptoms.

Since you do not mention any conclusive diagnosis that has been found by any of the doctors or dentists that you have consulted with so it is difficult to say what should be done or not. This is an online platform only and we do not give medical advice but simply guide users as to who they should consult. We would also not comment on the surgery aspects because if your doctor feels that it is advisable/necessary then you should follow the advice accordingly.

It may be time that you consult with a maxillofacial specialist. That would be the next step given the number of professionals of different disciplines that you have already consulted with.

By: Nell Trent

Nell Trent — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 14:10:00 +0000

Hello. I am 41 years old. For almost a year now I have had pain on the left side of my neck, jaw, headaches across the top of my head and upper back pain. At first they thought this was Trigeminal Neuralgia. This has been ruled out. I have seen a neurologist (who doesn’t know what it is) – my osteopath is clueless – and I have 2 teeth that always HURT. I have a crossbite. I wore braces as a child. I have tinnitus, ear popping, my tongue feels too large for my mouth– and my upper teeth and bottom teeth TOUCH on top of each other. I have been to dentist after dentist. I have had a balance test. My teeth are driving me crazy. When I see a chiropractor I get some relief- the same w/ massage therapists (the work on my jaw joints, face and neck). Then the ear is not clogged etc… but the chiropractor is TOO ROUGH. I am seeing a new dentist and am supposed to see her again this week. I have read about neuromuscular dentists – and read symptoms for TMJD. They sound like ME– but I am in a rural town. I don’t want TMJ surgery… Where would you go from here? ANY ADVICE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. I am quite sure I am – beyond a bite guard at this point- (My new dentist said this).. but I don’t know where to turn. I don’t know why ONLY AT TIMES my tongue feels too large for my mouth- . I have had MRIs and a CAT scan– panoramic x-rays– a balance test- NOTHING. Oddly, I had 2 wisdom teeth on the top. They were SO TINY that they never removed them. When the dental asst. looked at my panoramic x-ray, she said I had no wisdom teeth?!? I forgot to ask the dentist about this. WHAT COULD have happened to them? I am not a rich person- but this is making me crazy. I don’t even know what to ask this dentist. If you could just guide me in some direction, I would appreciate it. As this has been going on now for about a year, my family doctor (osteopath) is tired of hearing this. So, where do you go from here? Also, my smile in photos has changed. The right side seems weaker- but it is the left side where most of the problems exist. Thank you FOR ANY ADVICE- I trust this new dentist- I just don’t know what to ask anymore or where to go. Nerve medications like Lyrica and Gabapentin do nothing- but make me gain MORE weight.

By: HealthHype

HealthHype — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 14:52:00 +0000

In reply to ashlie. It is definitely possible. The strain of one side of the jaw joint not functioning properly could definitely cause a problem and symptoms on the other side. However, you also have to exclude other possibilities, like conditions associated with the ear or even the mastoid bone of the skull. These are uncommon compared to musculoskeletal complaints which are the primary cause of headaches. Consult with an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT specialist) or a maxillofacial specialist who may be able to assist you accordingly.

By: ashlie

ashlie — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 10:03:00 +0000

My jaw has been popping on the left side for about 10 years. I was hit in the jaw a month or ao before it started i deal with the jaw locking up at random times and bothering me when i eat real crunchy food but its not a big deal. My question is… if my popping jaw is one the left could that be the cause of my 2 month long persistant headache that is on the back lower right side of my head. It ia extremely painful it travels to my right cheek and eye and just started about 2 months ago and the ese last two weeks have been the worst.

By: Dr. Chris

Dr. Chris — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:17:36 +0000

In reply to Sally. Hi Sally It is difficult to say just how serious this is. While TMJ irritation may be seen with hurting the area when trying to bite down on hard foods, stress and so on, it needs to be assessed to ensure that this is not the start of a more chronic ailment. There is no need to worry about this just yet but yes, it is necessary to have it assessed by your doctor. This could be something serious like an ear infection that has spread to the TMJ. If it is minor though, then no treatment may be necessary. With conditions like bruxism (grinding of the teeth) which you may not be aware of, a bite guard can offer significant relief.