TMJ Support Group

I have a mouthpiece but have problems integrating it into my life. Takes the pressure off specific teeth, but can't say it has eliminated jaw problems. Cost $500 -- insurance did not cover.

I've had constant vertigo for two years -- most definitely connected to TMD/TMJ. Had to diagnose myself since doctors were only able to tell me what it was not. Definitely started after dental work reshaped the left side of my bite, and the problems & dizziness almost completely emanate from that side.

Haven't been back to see a dentist or doctor since I put 2 + 2 together, so don't have any great advice yet. Been a downward cycle of: work less, earn less, afford less care, more stress, more jaw problems, work less, earn less.... Hopeful nonetheless.

Good luck to you, apierce. "Not common" does not mean you are alone, believe me.

Thank you for your help, I also had to diagnose myself and when i mentioned it to my doctor he was like oh yeah that could be a possiblity. The dentist i saw had no doubt that i have it and is trying to work with both my dental and health ins to cover it since i do not have the money to pay for the mouth guard myself.
I know what you mean when you say that it is a downward cycle, i am only working 2 days a week and money is tight because of it. some days the headaches and dizziness is so bad i cannot get off the couch. i am just hoping for some sort of relief. i have an appointment with my doctor next week and i cannot wait to tell him about what the dentist said. hopefully between my doctor and dentist they can come up with something to help my get back to my normal routine.
It does make me feel better knowing that there are other people out there who are going through the same thing i am. I wish you the best with your and hope that you can get some relief as well.

This article about self help tips might help you to handle things.
http://www.tmjhope.org/self-care/

As for the insurance thing, my insurance did cover a part of my mouthguard BUT I had proof that I have disc displacement in both joints, so that is the only reason my insurance covered it. I would recommend checking your insurance and see if they cover myofacial pain syndrome or sometimes you can get things covered under migraines. My insurance though would only cover it once I had a firm diagnosis with proof and even then they didn't cover the entire thing. Insurance can be so incredibly difficult because it's always the is it dental or medical issue. As for dental insurance, my dental insurance specifically EXCLUDES all forms of TMJ treatment, BUT they did cover a few nightguards due to nighttime bruxism, so check your policy for that.

As for your symptoms, yes vertigo is actually more common than you realize.

I hope you are able to get help.

Thank you, that article was very helpful. I bought an otc nighttime mouth guard for temporary use, just to see if it will help. Hopefully i'll be hearing from the ins company soon. I haven't had any imaging done on my jaw yet so i do not know what the extent of the damage the tmj has done. but it did crack really hard this am and was very sore for most of the day. hopefully this mouth guard will help and at least ease the headaches and dizziness.

This article might help you in terms of the insurance thing.
http://www.tmjhope.org/tmj-treatmen...

Also, here is an article explaining about MRI and CT scans. I do want to point out that xrays will NOT show the position of your discs, only an MRI will do that. Also most xrays will not show a good clear picture of your joints unless they are very damaged, that is why it's good to have a CT scan.

http://www.tmjhope.org/mri-vs-ct-scan/

Hope this helps, good luck with the insurance issues.

Just heard back from the insurance, and guess what...no coverage...I dont have the money to get cat scans or mri's done, so I guess I'm gonna have to hope that the otc mouth guard does some good. I have an appointment with my gp on thursday, hopefully he'll have some insight on what to do...

i have also been suffering from headahes and dizziness for years and years also migraines but i also had to diagnose myself but not till i started getting other symptoms like neck shoulder pain pain in chew aching when chewing as well as other symptoms im from the uk and finding it very hard to find a specialist here

Good Morning-
I am thankful to have found this site. Reading the comments helps me feel more at ease that mine symptoms are tmj. I had been to the doctor who felt that was my problem. My insurance covered 50% of the mouthguard and it seems to help when I use if consistantly. I had some dental work prior to this round starting. I had also lifted a heavy piece of furniture which I feel my have started some of this. This is not my first bout with tmj. One thing that works is relaxation. I have neck and should pain as well. I have been having some dizziness when lying down and rising. Sleeping on my back with no pillow seems to release some of the tention on my neck. I am going to try a chiropractor soon as I can locate one closer to my home. Any comments about the chiropractor - success?

My doctor is a DO and he does manipulations similar to a chiropractor and it does seem to help. However, my neck and back slip out of alignment easily so the relief is usually short lived. I went and got impressions made for my mouth guard today and should get it in a couple of weeks. Hopefully it will help with the headaches and dizziness.

I have had TMJ since 1984. I have also had two failed surgeries ( Vitek implants)....but, that is another issue all together.
Yes, vertigo goes hand in hand with TMJ.The inner ear and the jaw joint are so close any shift. swelling etc. will set off a dizzy spell. Mine come and go. I was prescribed a drug, ANTIVERT, several times over the years when the dizziness persisted. It worked.
IF I could do it all over....I would get a fitted night guard....wear it during the day when you can....always sleep in it and that's IT. No other treatment as far as dealing with the joint OR teeth. A good chiropractor can do wonders as well as a good masseuse that knows about TMJ. Simple treatment is best. Trust me. I have spent years chasing "the specialist" for this malady we have. TMJ is so complicated, every doctor/dentist has a different opinion. Go slow with any treatment. Get a night guard and use it. I wish I had done just that....but, it's too late for me. You still have control. Use it.Good luck to you. "You are definitely not alone". Ha!