I Need Help - Jaw Clenching Relief

[linasmom]

I'm in serious pain - I've been clenching my jaw now for probably a week and I haven't gotten even fair sleep in two weeks. The jaw clenching has reached a point of almost unbearable pain now. My entire face, head, neck and shoulders are throbbing.

I've taken what I have in the house to try and relieve the pain and relax the muscles in my jaw: advil, flexeril, xanax, vicodin. (not at the same time!) My husband has rubbed both my temples and my jaw muscles. Still no relief.

Nothing is working. It's 12:30 pm and of course I'm up - I'll probably be up until 2:00 and half-sleep until about 6:30.

Does anyone here know what I can do to help relieve this pain? Some old home remedy? I'll try just about anything at this point.

I guess I should add that I do have TMJ, but do not wear a night guard. I haven't seen a dentist in years and will probably not go see one now. I know, totally dumb.

Help!

- Rachel

 

[hodge]

I've had TMJ off and on for years. I know the pain that comes from just trying to open my mouth to speak. Motrin has helped me. Different OTC pain meds work for different people. For the immediate time, you might want to see if you have anything else to try? Tylenol? Maybe even just plain old aspirin, which I think is also an anti-inflammatory. Sorry, that's all I can think of.

Long term, what works for me is becoming aware of when I'm doing it, get myself to a relaxing place, etc.

Meantime, Rachel, I really hope you find something that gives you some relief.

 

[becvan]

I have no idea what TMJ is but I'm a notorious jaw clencher myself. Just broke a tooth last week from this. Shy of reducing overall anxiety symptoms, how about trying to heat it? Like with a heating pad. Ice it if it swells. Sorry I don't have suggestions any better than this. I just eat Advil from the migraines it causes most of the time.

I will be watching this thread for more ideas!!

bec

 

[Seeking_Nirvana]

I have TMJ and I know about the pain. The only thing that ever helped me is time in letting it wear off.

I'm going to the dentist to get a mouth guard, but I have a temporary one that is real cheap. I usually spit it out when I grind. But if you want to try one you can find it on the internet and don't have to go to a dentist. They are usually around $40.00.

I read in google to use calcium and pantothenic acid. There were other suggestions as well in helping prevent this.

Hope you feel better soon
Tammy

 

[hodge]

Bec, TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint (or jaw) disease. There's a TMJ Association on the web - should be the first link that comes up if you google "tmj."

 

[linasmom]

So I just "wiki"ed TMJ - and found a link to bruxism (jaw clenching/grinding) - I learned that BOTOX is used as a treatment for bruxism and that it has a very high success rate!

Apparently, botox was originally used as a treatment for these types of disorders and then eventually became used for cosmetic purposes. Of course now, I'm sure that most insurance companies won't pay for it. Damn you Hollywood!

 

[becvan]

Okay I want the botox! lmao I have worn off my back molars because of this and I can't count how many times I've broken teeth. I'm not sure if I grind or not.. I'm supposed to wear a mouth guard but I gag on it.. so not going to happen.

Thanks for bringing this up Rachel! And thanks to everyone for this info. I didn't even realize I might have some options of dealing with this!

bec

 

[BassistKara]

I actually posted a thread about jaw clenching a while ago!
Since then i've got my mouthguard($350 later mind you!), which has helped a great deal. My jaw still hurts alot of the time, but not nearly as badly as without it.
I'm not really sure of any suggestions for immediate relief other then OTC pain relief, or different calming techniques that you know work for you.
I hope you find something, because it's such a pain in the butt not having anything to help!

 

[Moonshadow]

I've had TMJ for at least 20 years, probably longer. It often is at its worst, when I'm under a lot of stress. The last week has been very bad, and my face, neck, head and shoulders are killing me.

I try to be aware of when I'm clenching my jaw, during the day, and relax as much as I can. Nights are the worst, when I know I clench and grind my jaw while I'm sleeping (if you can call that half-sleep phase "sleeping").

The mouthpiece thing is too uncomfortable for me. I can't stand holding things in my mouth.
I've heard that massage can be helpful, but I have issues about strangers touching me, so I've never tried it.

I know just how you feel. It is very painful and frustrating. If you find something that works, I would love to hear it.

 

[Borderline]

Botox gets my vote.
Its not a nice treatment, the injections are painfull. Had a retreatment earlier in the year its worked well and my jaw muscles have reduced in size and strength.
Feel free to ask any questions.
G.

 

[void]

My jaw muscles have been contracting involuntarily for 25 years. Don't let anyone give you the impression that you are grinding or clenching in anyway deliberately. The fact is that your muscles are contracting involuntarily and there has to be a reason. I have these contractions when I am awake and asleep(24 hours per day), they are very strong and I have discomfort always. I have been to prosthodontists, oral pathologists, orofacial pain specialists and a maxillofacial surgeon and they have no explanation or treatment that has even decreased the contractions. I had 200IU of botox injected..no effect, night guards(lost count), muscle relaxants, massage, chiro, reiki, cranio-sacral therapy, etc........no effect. I believe that for me it is unresolved deep emotional damage that is manifesting itself in this way. May each of you find peace to replace your pain.

 

[linasmom]

Thank you everyone for all of your experiences and suggestions.

Today, I doubled up on the vicodin and have kept a hot water bottle on my jaw for most of the day...finally, a bit of relief.

Just so you all know - I checked out a TMJ website and they suggest moist heat. My dad was nice enough to go to the store for me and get the hot water bottle - it was $15.00 (kind of expensive just for something that holds water) - but I'd suggest it to everyone here as part of immediate relief.

And now, I'm off to do more resting.

Best,
Rachel