TMJ Support Group

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ syndrome, is an acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment.

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Ears, Eyes & Mouth
/ TMJ Support Group

Neck and Shoulder Pain/Vertigo

megsmom8816
megsmom8816
Hello

I have suffered from TMJ for about 15 years. I locked shut the summer of 2000 and have suffered off and on since then. NO SURGERY as I went to a great doctor at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor who said I would just be heading towards a lifetime of problems if I were operated on. Through the years dental work has been a nightmare for both my dentist, my hygienist and myself, but I have survived.

I am having a flare up now. I wear a bite guard every night without fail. I pay for it the next day if I don't. This week my pain began in my neck and shoulders. They were tight and I was in a lot of pain. This morning I woke up with vertigo so bad I was nauseous and couldn't walk. My ears were throbbing as was most of my face, particularly my jaws. The vertigo has simmered down, but I have an overall feeling of dizziness now and am exhausted. I have done stretches, used moist heat, took Antivert for the dizziness, and am eating soft foods.

Any other suggestions? And does anyone else experience all of this when they have a flare up?

Thanks!
hotdogdog
hotdogdog
Yes, the vertigo is absolutely horrible. I get numbness and facial ticks when it's at it's worst. And lots of anxiety from the freaky, out-of-control feelings. Just curious, is there a seasonal aspect to your symptoms -- my TMJ seems to boil down to periods of excessive sleepiness from spring and fall allergies.
deleted_user
deleted_user
My doctor also said apply cold. 30 minute then heat for 15 then cold for thirty and heat for 15 try a few times a day and especially prior to sleeping....this helps me ...

I also use a soft rubber bite guard....purchased at CVS called Grind no more....much better than any guard I purchased from the dentist...not big so you don't drool...
floridakris
floridakris
Totally sympathize with flair ups, they are horrible.

I also get really bad pain in my neck/shoulders. For that I use heat but I've also had luck with PT for my neck/shoulders.

Here are some good articles that might give you some ideas.

http://www.tmjhope.org/tmj-treatment/alternative-tmj-treatments/

http://www.tmjhope.org/self-care/

Here is one specific to tinnitus. http://www.tmjhope.org/tmj-tinnitus-tips/
noonetwo
noonetwo
When its that bad the only thing that worked for me was boswellin cream. i would apply it starting at the jaw joint in front of the ear. then straight down to the neck. then the neck about 2 inches wide following the tight muscle. then the back of neck and the whole area between neck and shoulder and any nots in upper back. after a while some relief and would do my neck stretches