Do I have TMJ?

annamc18
annamc18 Posts: 198 Member
in Chit-Chat
Hi there - I know you aren't all doctors, but I was just wondering for those of you who do have TMJ - do my symptoms sound familiar?

Woke up Monday morning, and in front of my right ear (basically where my jaw bone connects) is not terrible, but it's sore to the touch for sure. I tried not to mess with it much yesterday, and it didn't really hurt while eating or anything - just when you touch it, it's sore.

I woke up this morning and it's still sore - slightly more so than yesterday, but still not painful until i touch it. I tried to research it a bit online and I keep seeing things about TMJ pop up. However, I don't have clicking or popping in my jaw - BUT - if I slightly push on my jaw from the left side and open my mouth it does start to click.

I've never had this happen before, so I was just curious. Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • Excuse_less
    Excuse_less Posts: 874 Member
    Not likely TMJ if your main symptom is tender to the touch.
  • annamc18
    annamc18 Posts: 198 Member
    hmm...well maybe i just irritated it in some way and didn't realize

    I guess I'll give it another couple of days and if it still doesn't get better I'll go see someone about it
  • TylerJ76
    TylerJ76 Posts: 4,375 Member
    Those are my initials.

    That's all I got.
  • Morninglory81
    Morninglory81 Posts: 1,190 Member
    You may be clenching your teeth at night or have a toothache or ear infection. that area is all about sharing each others pain so it can be hard to pinpoint the source. It doesn't sound like TMJ.
  • escloflowneCHANGED
    escloflowneCHANGED Posts: 3,038 Member
    I have really bad TMJ, I have constant headaches, pressure in the sinuses, ear aches and when I stand from a sitting position I see stars and get a little dizzy. I bought a mouth guard to sleep with and I am doing stretches for my neck and jaw and it's gotten a little better.
  • vypeters
    vypeters Posts: 475 Member
    I have bilateral TMJ and it never hurts to the touch and always hurts to chew when it's flared up. Not saying you don't have it, just that it doesn't sound like it to me.
  • Tlglose
    Tlglose Posts: 49 Member
    It sounds like tmj. You just haven't traumatized your jaw too bad yet. Tmj is especially prevelant in young women due to stress. You're clenching your jaw when you sleep. Take steps to avoid traumatizing it any worse. For instance. Absolutely no gum chewing. Stick to softer foods to allow inflammation to go down. Take ibuprofen to bring swelling down. Avoid yawning wide.
  • Tlglose
    Tlglose Posts: 49 Member
    If it gets worse see your dentisit. They may rcommend physical therapy and / or a bite splint. Sorry if my reply plus previous reply seems jumbled. My keyboard froze...grrrr..lol
  • territhefrog
    territhefrog Posts: 1,134 Member
    Best way to find out if you have TMJ is have the dentist do a panoramic xray. It will show if you have TMJ. I have it and I got a mouthguard from the dentist and it works great for me.
  • SerenaFisher
    SerenaFisher Posts: 2,170 Member
    http://www.m.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders

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