TMJ/TMD Your Pain is Real!

A student who I work closely with is going through a situation very similar to mine. While I feel terrible that she is going through this pain, I am glad I am able to relay some of my experience with having jaw pain.

Her jaw pain actually accelerated after having her wisdom teeth taken out. This was very similar to what happened to me! Now her jaw is drifting backwards and causing her to wake up with her jaw locked shut, muscles strained, and unable to chew comfortably.

One of the things that I think is most helpful when someone is going through this kind of pain, is to reassure them that they are not imagining the magnitude of the situation -- TMJ pain is REAL! It is also so vital, from my experience, to address it right away. So many things can get WORSE if you do not address these issues:

• Arthritis in your jaw joints, neck, shoulders, etc.
• Wear down your teeth, leading to cavities and root canals.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Stress, increased pain.
• ...and a number of other compounded issues.

I'm writing this post to anyone going through this to let you know that it is not worth just dealing with this kind of pain. Even though it may feel like a hassle to see a specialist and get a consultation, you will not regret it! 

When I first started talking about my jaw pain, the initial reaction from my family was to downplay what I was going through. For example, suggesting that I take some pain killers, focus on relaxing my jaw, massaging it, etc. Understandably, the common treatment for this kind of problem (TMD) is surgery, braces, and other very invasive treatments! So I understand why they would try to steer me away from that path. 

Luckily I didn't have to take that route and I'm very glad I didn't. (I may choose to get braces, but I've been very comfortable with my splint and have not needed surgery.) Unfortunately, no matter what treatment you choose, there is still a chance that you will always have to manage your jaw pain, but it doesn't have to be unbearable!

It's really difficult to express to others , who are not experiencing your pain, just how awful jaw pain is! It's not like an arm or leg that feels better if you rest it. Your jaw is constantly working and relies so much on a good bite to rest. If you don't have a comfortable bite, it can feel like you are constantly straining. When it's on your face, it feels even more exposed and uncomfortable, which for me caused further stress, anxiety and depression. The other part that makes this type of pain difficult, is that it isn't something that is visible to others. If it were a visible injury, it might be easier to convince someone that you are in pain.

If I can accomplish one thing in this post, it is to empower people, young or old, to look into their jaw pain and find a comfortable alternative. You're not alone in your pain, and I can personal validate that it is not something you can just "get over." I know how it feels when your pain is not being taken seriously, so I extend my utmost sympathy to anyone going through TMD and searching for a solution. There are many options out there, it's just a matter of getting started on this path and finding the right one for you. Good luck!