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Jaw Pain

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elizabeth20203
elizabeth20203

I have bad jaw pain and I am wondering If this Is anxiety. I do tend to grind my teeth and clench my jaw often. I grind my teeth In my sleep so unable to stop that but was wondering about jaw clenching. When I am aware of It I try to massage the jaw. Does anyone know If this Is anxiety, and can anyone give me any advice In how to ease this, the pain Is really bad today.

Elizabeth

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • ursulauc62
    ursulauc62 elizabeth20203

    Posted

    Hi,

    what you seem to have is TMJ - Temporamandibular joint disfunction, which is basically when the jaw joint slips out of place due to to much pressure, an injury or wear and tear, like teeth grinding.  I have had the same thing earlier this year. It was awful, painful and also cracked and popped whenever I moved it or tried to eat.  I know just how nasty this is!

    I went to see a specialist - Dr Robin Gray - in Cheadle, Cheshire, and he recommended ultrasound therapy, which any physiotherapist can do for you if they have an ultrasound machine. You have the jaw massaged with the ultrasound device a few times a week, for ten minutes at a time, for a few weeks. I had this and its so much better. Occassionally you feel some pain again, so I have actually bought a machine for myself and use it when I get some ache - cost £100 for a good one.  I also grinded my teeth badly, and fell and had an an injury which made it worse. Dont worry, this can be sorted out!

    • elizabeth20203
      elizabeth20203 ursulauc62

      Posted

      Thank you for replying. I will mention It to my dentist and see what she I says.I will also look at Temporamandibular joint disfunction on the web. I have heard of this before but hadn't related this to myself. 
  • oldboy
    oldboy elizabeth20203

    Posted

    This is called BRUXISM, and I have daytime bruxism.  See Wikipedia for info.

    I think mine is due to the SSRI antidepressant I take (Sertraline).

    • elizabeth20203
      elizabeth20203 oldboy

      Posted

      Thanks for replying. I have also heard of Bruxism. and will look into It. I am not on any anti depressants anymore so that wouldn't be related.
    • ursulauc62
      ursulauc62 elizabeth20203

      Posted

      As far as I can make out from researching it, TMJ can be caused by Bruxism - the teeth grinding. Your'e problem may not have got to the stage of TMJ, as Bruxism can cause some aching. Your'e dentist can make you a mouth guard to wear on your teeth at night to stop the grinding. I had one, but unfortunately, my problem had already worsened by that point into TMJ, so I needed further treatment.
    • elizabeth20203
      elizabeth20203 ursulauc62

      Posted

      Thank you for this Information I am sure that you are right. I do feel stressed and anxious and the pain Is also In my neck now and I have a band of pain round my head. For now I will try to destress and hopefully It will ease until I can get to see the dentist. 
  • robin67880
    robin67880 elizabeth20203

    Posted

    Elizabeth, for me jaw pain is a big part of my anxiety. (symptom) I have myofacial pain from clenching my jaw from my stress. I now sleep with a night guard on myblower teeth to try to prevent it.. i also do massage on my jaw and. Ibuprophine. Hope this helps. Xx
    • robin67880
      robin67880

      Posted

      Sorry..maxillofacial not myo..
    • elizabeth20203
      elizabeth20203 robin67880

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply. It Is anxiety causing It as I am very stressed at the moment. I do clench my teeth at night, I also feel myself clenching my jaw In the day time and have to stop myself. At night when asleep we don't know we are doing It so cannot stop It. I will look Into this night guard to wear at night. I cannot take the painkiller you mention, I am on a cocktail of painkillers for arthritis but can take parecetamol with them.  
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