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Treating TMJ, or How not to get Wired

© Cynthia Webber (Jausten)

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, is one of the common conditions that people with fibromyalgia must deal with on a daily basis. Not all people with fibromyalgia have TMJ problems, but a large percentage of those with FMS do have problems with their jaws. This can either be related to myofascial trigger points in the jaw or face, or it can be related to dental problems. One such dental problem is the person's bite, and correcting the alignment of the bite can reduce some of the pain associated with TMJ. Dr. Edward Reiman's Chairside Consult on TMJ Disorders has a list of symptoms, frequently asked questions, diagnosis and treatment, and even insurance information for those living in the United States. Since he has listed all the common symptoms and treatments on his site, I encourage those with TMJ or those who suspect that they have jaw problems to check out his site.

For some people, their TMJ problems began long before they were diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and for others, it was diagnosed in relationship to myofascial pain syndrome. Stress does play a major part in dealing with the symptoms, and, as Dr. Reiman suggests, non-surgical treatment is the first approach to this condition. He does not discuss the surgical approach on his site, and after consulting several oral surgeons, I can understand why surgery isn't the first choice. The chances that one's TMJ will be cured by surgery isn't necessarily true, and it isn't without problems of its own. Even having braces put on to correct the alignment of teeth isn't a cure for TMJ. Depending upon a person's symptoms, diagnostic tests by a dentist or oral surgeon should be done. Treatment usually consists of the wearing of a splint or a mouth guard at night, stress management, physical therapy such as ultra-sound and exercises to the jaw, and the use of medications for pain, muscle relaxants, or even anti-inflammatories if inflammation is present.

My experience with TMJ began in my mid-twenties, long before I developed fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome. I have a cross-bite which is very difficult to correct, and the popping and cracking of my jaw soon led to my jaw locking for short periods of time. The pain increased over a period of time when I was working as a nurse in the emergency room at UCLA Medical Center. The stress of my job no doubt increased my pain levels, and although I did not grind my teeth at night, I did clench them tightly. Working in a large medical center provided me with easy access to doctors who specialized in treating TMJ. I was seen initially by a group of oral surgeons who not only checked my jaw physically, but did x-rays, and took a long history. I was fitted for an upper splint that I was to wear not only at night, but during my working hours. It was difficult to wear it during work as I became nauseated, so they made a lower splint for me which caused less nausea, but I still had difficulty wearing it at work, so I just wore it during the night.

The copyright of the article Treating TMJ, or How not to get Wired in Fibromyalgia is owned by Cynthia Webber (Jausten). Permission to republish Treating TMJ, or How not to get Wired in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.