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Yes, Angelsfairy, it does or should I write "can" get better. If you haven't read my "story" in the members' biographies, please do. BUT, since that was written in March 2006, it doesn't mention that my TMJ continues managed. I have to say managed because I do get occasional flare-ups and pain but that's no surprise considering my jaw structure, how long I've had this and the damage that has already been done. I had a recent CT scan of my ear area (tinnitus) and it showed severe DJD (degenerative joint disease) of the jaw(s). I have no discs, but yet, somehow, miraculously the TMJ pain and flare-ups are practically minimal and bearable. It did take a life style change for me and medications. It's a little sad that I couldn't figure out how I must treat my body and mind sooner.

I now must give a warning: you are about to read a book, not just a posting. Sorry about that. Now onto the story:

You mention that stress is what caused your TMJ. It was probably what finally set my TMJ off initially but there were a lot of other factors and there probably is with you too. Since you've only had TMJ for a couple of months, there is a good chance that you can be "cured."

One of the most frustrating aspects in my opinion has been finding adequate medical help. There are many dentists, oral surgeons, chiropractors, etc., who think they "know" TMJ but actually only want your money. Some may genuinely want to help but just aren't educated well enough (I have one of those).

TMJ can also be difficult to treat because people are so completely different (but yet also so alike) when it comes to TMJ symptoms AND what will "fix" or manage this nightmare called TMJ, TMD, TMJD or any bad word you want to add.

I remember reading that you had a stressful year or so because of your son's school problem and then moved. All of that is extremely stressful. Many people do clench so why do only some people get TMJ? Not all people agree and it's much more complicated than I can say here, but you probably have an imbalance with your bite. When the stress hit you, the repeated heavy clenching was just too much for your body. The imbalance may not necessarily be your bite, but often it is.

So how do you fix" the problem? The impossible question to answer, but I'm going to go ahead and give you some pointers anyway. Since you've only had TMJ for a few months, you have a better chance of doing just that. You need to get your muscles to relax.

No gum chewing
No caffeine
Eat only softer foods and/or liquids
Take Super Complex Vitamin B AND Magnesium daily. Take up to 1000 mg per day of Mag but slowly build up to that amount. If your stomach can't handle 1000 mg, 500 works well for me. Vitamin B12 shots work better than oral pills. Also the kind that melts under your tongue (sublingual) work better that swallowing a pill.

Your mouth's position should always be - teeth apart at all times (I even read where some doctor said not to even touch the teeth together when eating, interesting), keep tongue resting on roof of mouth, and lips together (or slightly apart) but relaxed (not squeezed together). Think about "dropping" the jaw (as a musician would say) or open your throat (with lips still closed). It took me years to get to this position. Try not to take as long.

Have regular massages. Cranial-sacral massage can be great, but others trained in TMJ can be also helpful (like deep tissue, trigger point, just general therapeutic, etc.) Intra-oral massage is wonderful if done by someone who knows what they are doing, and only does it for a few minutes during a session (which should include head, face, neck, shoulders at minimum). Even having your husband do your neck and shoulders every day can help (hard as you can take it also, not "fluffy").

Jump into a hot tub as often as you can (to relax not just to jump).

Keep your sense of humor.

Evaluate your posture while in front of a computer or desk AND while sleeping. The back is the preferred sleeping method with cervical support, but side sleeping with a good pillow that supports the neck but doesn't put pressure on the jaw is acceptable. Don't put your hand(s) on your face while sleeping. Absolute NOT on your stomach. Go to www.nismat.org/ptcor/tmj for basic info on posture and light TMJ exercises.

Try NOT to pop the jaw ever. This can cause damage. Pull your shoulders and jaw down, and open your throat (with your mouth closed) to try and relax the jaw when you get the urge to pop. Or have hubby squeeze your shoulders.

I know you're a mom and wife, but try and talk as little as possible. Just for a short time (2 to 4 weeks, sense of humor remember) to help relax those muscles.

There's a lot more suggestions I can make, but this has gotten pretty long, but there are a couple more things I'd like to say if you don't mind.

Certain medications can help, but often not. Xanax or Zanaflex taken at night have helped me, but I can't function in the daytime with them and don't take them very often anymore. They can be addictive and you don't need that problem. Vicoprofen has been the only pain drug to do any good but only about 25% of the time. If you don't have a family doctor, you should. Contact that nice doctor at the hospital and see if he can recommend any good primary physicians. Most dentists and one-stop docs are not going to prescribe these drugs. I also must say that even if you don't have insurance or you do but you get a recommendation to someone outside of your insurance, spend the money anyway. It could be worth it in the long run.

And lastly (for now anyway), consider having your wisdom teeth pulled. See another OS, an orthodontist and another dentist to get their opinions. Is your bite balanced or do the wisdom teeth affect it? Do the teeth behind your eye teeth also evenly touch? I was told I should have my wisdom teeth removed in my early 20's. I can't remember but I don't think I was given a good enough reason to have them removed so I said NO. A few years later when they were all completely in (bottom ones a little crooked) is when I developed TMJ. The wisdom teeth had changed my bite drastically and I hadn't even noticed it. My teeth only touched at the wisdom teeth. When major stress hit me, the clenching and grinding on a very imbalanced bite did me in. I now wished I had pulled the teeth (before or after TMJ diagnosis), but that's in the past. I have heard of many people being "cured" of TMJ symptoms when these teeth were removed. Of course, the other way also - removing the teeth causing TMJ, BUT, you already have TMJ. It's not going to cause it. It can make it worse if you get an Oral Surgeon who opens your mouth super wide and uses lots of force to remove them. So do your homework and find one that understands TMJ, will give your jaw breaks during the procedure(s) and gently cuts the teeth out, that is, if you consider this after all.

Okay, that's all for today. It took forever to write because I had to keep leaving my typing. I also did some TMJ research myself and found even more sites than previously. As I wrote earlier, there are more self-help tips that I will post when I can.

Believe it or not, you are in a good position right now. There shouldn't be very much damage to the joint and area yet. Do everything you do to help yourself (particularly to de-stress) and take the time to research dentists and doctors in Charlotte. You might even consider seeing a neuromuscular dentist (leadingdentists.com). A good book to get is by Dr. Uppguaard. There are some others but be discerning and evaluate all info you read. Support sites are extremely helpful.

Honest, I'm done. Don't despair, but also just don't sit back and feel sorry for yourself (like we all do). You are worth it and you are going to get the help you need. DO NOT get too frustrated by the many doctors and dentists who are TMJ-stupid. TMJ is just one of those health issues that no one wants to claim even exists and many don't even know it exists.

Take care and please ask all the questions you want. This really is a great support group. They were instrumental in my journey. Be good to yourself.

God bless you,
Carol

P.S. By the way, I don't swear. It's a good think we have emoticons who pretend they do.