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OTC treatments for TMJ pain until I see a doc??

Posted , 4 users are following.

infestissumam
infestissumam

Hey guys, I have what appears to be a TMD. My left side of my jaw has been weird for a while, it pops, clicks, and sometimes grinds when I open my mouth and seems to move out of place, causing it to open slanted to the right. I do clench my jaw a lot (when I'm concentrating on a math problem, for example, and so on) which seems to be made worse by my medicine venlafaxine. These symptoms haven't bothered me at all for a long time, though it is slightly annoying that I can't open my mouth all the way.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I started experiencing actual pain. It feels like the pain of getting teeth pulled, but in my jaw and often going up into my ear. It's a really deep pain, sometimes stabbing (especially in me ear). I was basically in tears a couple of nights ago. It's getting really hard to eat since the repeated opening motion makes it hurt soooo bad. I've tried taking OTC medicines like ibuprofen and I've even taken my migraine medicine Fioricet just to try and make it stop, but they didn't help. The only thing that's helped were legitimate painkillers, hydrocodone and oxycodone. I take 30mg of them (well I TOOK them, they were from previous procedures so I'm all out by now.) Is there an effective at home or OTC treatment that can help with this horrific pain? I'm a 19 year old full-time university student and I've had to skip classes because of the pain. I'm seeing my regular doctor for an unrelated check-up in two days but that feels like forever away (and I might need to see my dentist anyway). Any advice is really appreciated, thanks for reading!! :]

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • pam_87693
    pam_87693 infestissumam

    Posted

    From you pronunciation it sounds as if your from the USA? Yes it sounds like TMJ are you double jointed? If so its related to that. The pain may be caused by your wisdom teeth which might be coming through. If so you need to see a dentist. If your wisdom teeth are through then it is TMJ and unless you want extensive surgery which in the UK would not normally be offered as it has variable results, I think it is just a case of living with it. If you are hypermobile and your wisdom teeth either aren't through or only party then your dentist will advise you. Sorry I had the same probs at your age and I was at uni too! 
  • amanda53485
    amanda53485 infestissumam

    Posted

    Hi, 

    I sympathise with your pain. I was diagnosed with TMJD this year and have had a terrible time. You could ask your dentist to make you a splint to wear at night or get refferred to a Maxiofacial specialist they can determine if it is actually TMJ and prescribe you the best treatment. I actually take 75mg of Amitryptiline in the evening 1 hour before bed to help with the pain. I was also given the advice to eat a soft diet and relaxation techniques and not make large mouth movements. OTM do not help at all. 

    Hope you get answers

    Amanda

  • pam_87693
    pam_87693 infestissumam

    Posted

    Amanda is quite right a brace at night might help. It depends on whether your mouth is dry! If you have other problems that have given you a very dry mouth then I have been advised against a night brace. 
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