When I was 12 my jaw clicked and cracked, and I suffered from ear infections so often that I had a drainage tube put in both ears and I lost about 10% of my hearing.
As an adult, my jaw no longer clicks or cracks. I do suffer from pain that radiates out from my jaw and my nack, and extends down into my left side and my left arm. My dentist told me my teeth are worn down from grinding.
Stressful situations make my TMJ pain much worse. I find that meditation helps IMMENSELY for relieving stress and anxiety, which relaxes my jaw. Massage has helped some. Acupuncture, too. If I regularly exercise (elliptical trainer, free weights) the pain is greatly reduced.
Smoking weed actually tenses my jaw. Same goes for any amount of caffeine or chocolate.
As an adult, my jaw no longer clicks or cracks. I do suffer from pain that radiates out from my jaw and my nack, and extends down into my left side and my left arm. My dentist told me my teeth are worn down from grinding.
Stressful situations make my TMJ pain much worse. I find that meditation helps IMMENSELY for relieving stress and anxiety, which relaxes my jaw. Massage has helped some. Acupuncture, too. If I regularly exercise (elliptical trainer, free weights) the pain is greatly reduced.
Smoking weed actually tenses my jaw. Same goes for any amount of caffeine or chocolate.
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Re: Long-time TMJ
Mon, February 14, 2005 - 1:09 PMDo you still grind? Maybe a night guard would help but I agree, getting a relaxation response going somehow every day is very important. I am about to give up caffiene myself. I do some yoga and want to start meditating as well.
Not easy though about the caffiene as I don't know how I will wake up and get going but once it is out, I am sure I will adapt.
