So, I have temporomandibular joint dysfunction - in specific, clicking jaw, I clench (but don't grind) and have bad habits like drinking a bit more caffeine than I should and resting my head on my hands a lot.
For the past two weeks I have had intense pain in my left jaw joint - to the point that I cannot focus when the pain flares up. And it flares up often.
I've seen my dentist - he confirmed that my bite was A-OK, and that no teeth were aiding the pain. He referred me to a few names of TMJ specialists in the city, since it very much seems to be a result of the TMD.
The problem? Like most specialists, there's a waiting list. I can't get in until a month from now. My dentist suggested Advil. Advil? I don't want to be on ibuprofen for a month. That just can't happen, but I also can't deal with unending pain for a month.
So since then, I've been taking ibuprofen only when I sleep (and it works) and applying heat to my face as needed during the day. But the heat is annoying to prep (using a Magic Bag), interrupts my work constantly and can't be done when I'm out and about. I need more solutions.
I've cut out all caffeine except for a small cup of tea in the morning. With the exception of my birthday pub night last night, I haven't been drinking alcohol in case I need emergency ibuprofen. I've been trying progressive muscle relaxation (which I already do for anxiety) but it doesn't seem to help much, nor does relaxation breathing exercises. The only two things that seem to help are heat and drugs.
Has anyone else been in any sort of similar boat? Suggestions?
For the past two weeks I have had intense pain in my left jaw joint - to the point that I cannot focus when the pain flares up. And it flares up often.
I've seen my dentist - he confirmed that my bite was A-OK, and that no teeth were aiding the pain. He referred me to a few names of TMJ specialists in the city, since it very much seems to be a result of the TMD.
The problem? Like most specialists, there's a waiting list. I can't get in until a month from now. My dentist suggested Advil. Advil? I don't want to be on ibuprofen for a month. That just can't happen, but I also can't deal with unending pain for a month.
So since then, I've been taking ibuprofen only when I sleep (and it works) and applying heat to my face as needed during the day. But the heat is annoying to prep (using a Magic Bag), interrupts my work constantly and can't be done when I'm out and about. I need more solutions.
I've cut out all caffeine except for a small cup of tea in the morning. With the exception of my birthday pub night last night, I haven't been drinking alcohol in case I need emergency ibuprofen. I've been trying progressive muscle relaxation (which I already do for anxiety) but it doesn't seem to help much, nor does relaxation breathing exercises. The only two things that seem to help are heat and drugs.
Has anyone else been in any sort of similar boat? Suggestions?