Has anyone dealt with TMJ (jaw pain)? What has helped you?

There is a history of temporal mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) in my family running through the maternal line. Both my maternal grandmother and mother had TMJD badly enough that they ended up with jaws locked to a degree where they could only open their mouths two finger widths. In each case, prednisone was injected directly into the joints on both sides of the face.

Presumably by reducing inflammation and possibly by providing additional "lubrication", they each regained full range of motion of their jaws and never had problems with clicking or locking again. Both treatments were provided over 45 years ago. While I know that medical science has advanced significantly, it is difficult to argue with long-term results.In my case, my jaw has never locked up, but I do have clicking and occasional soreness.

During my teen years, I saw an orthodontist and had my teeth straightened, so perhaps that ultimately mitigated some of the problem for me. I do know that if my jaw ever did lock up on me, I would seek out a doctor willing to directly inject prednisone directly into my TMJs. Short of steroid injections, you might try meditation (to relieve stress), over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (naproxen sodium might be very helpful), and/or facial/jaw massage with diluted juniper and/or wintergreen essential oils (both are anti-inflammatory, analgetic, and can stimulate nerve regeneration).

I hope you find the right answer for you.

I have major jaw pain due to lock jaw. I had to have wires coming out of my jaw that were connected to a battery pack that sent electric shocks to my jaw. Due to weak jaw muscles.

I was pain free for about 3 years but then it came back. However I never did the electric shock again. It was too much trouble trying to cover up those wires and it was more painful for the 90 days I had them in.

Best of luck to you and your jaw pain.

Here are the ways to reduce or stop grinding the teeth include reducing stress and consciously relaxing during the day and before bed, learning the correct positions in which to hold the jaw and tongue, and limiting alcohol intake. It is important to achieve adequate amounts of sleep and exercise as well. To treat jaw and muscle pain associated with bruxism, try massage and heat applications to the affected areas.

Keep the teeth separated and the jaw relaxed during the day, and avoid hard or chewy foods. In extreme and persistent cases, orthodontic adjustments or surgery may be the only way to stop grinding the teeth. While psychological and muscle memory causes are possible, bruxism may also be caused by misaligned teeth.

Surgery is considered a last resort to stop grinding the teeth. However, if you know or suspect that you suffer from bruxism, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent irreversible damage to the teeth. He or she will be able to help you find the best ways for you to stop grinding your teeth.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.