Sore TMJ- when to worry?

[MountainMama]

I had so many problems with my teeth and TMJ years ago and had PT for it, which helped a lot.
I have been doing my exercises the physical therapist gave me daily and I haven’t really had any trouble with it for over a year.
This morning I woke up with the whole right side of my face sore, coming from the joint. I could barely open my mouth. I did my exercises as best I could, and it gradually got better throughout the day.
I have recently started taking magnesium glycinate, per doctor recommendation, for insomnia (have had it my whole life). I am stressed more than usual as my daughter recently got some medical diagnoses that we were not expecting and is struggling in school.
My guess is that in a deeper sleep I am really clenching or grinding against my nightguard. Should I be worried about the joint getting damaged? Give up the good night’s sleep?

 

[Gordon]

My guess is that in a deeper sleep I am really clenching or grinding against my nightguard. Should I be worried about the joint getting damaged? Give up the good night’s sleep?

Sounds plausible.

You won't actually "damage" the joint, just the symptoms will make you miserable. I think the good sleep is worth it for a while, hopefully when your stressors alleviate it'll get better again.

Short term if you can still see a physio then some ultrasound might help?

 

[MountainMama]

Sounds plausible.

You won't actually "damage" the joint, just the symptoms will make you miserable. I think the good sleep is worth it for a while, hopefully when your stressors alleviate it'll get better again.

Short term if you can still see a physio then some ultrasound might help?

There is not a physio near me that does TMJ related services. I have called all over. I thought since we moved to a fairly large city there would be someone but nope.

Thank you, though! Good to know it won’t damage the joint. I can’t afford to go back to the oral pain specialist now as my daughters medical bills are piling up. Her stuff is way more important.

 

[Gordon]

Don't forget good old DIY care, ice packs and/or heat packs can be effective. Acupuncture can help too, got anyone near you who offers it?

 

[MountainMama]

Don't forget good old DIY care, ice packs and/or heat packs can be effective. Acupuncture can help too, got anyone near you who offers it?

My facial pain specialist is the only one I know that does trigger point injections. I had dry needling at the last physical therapist but haven’t found anyone here. I looked into acupuncturists but the ones available have pretty poor reviews regarding cleanliness so I don’t want to take the chance.

 

[Gordon]

No, I wouldn't take that chance either.

That reminds me, I did an acupuncture course once, I was sitting enjoying the lecture when the lecturer calmly told us that we'd be starting practicing on each other next... unfortunately for me, I was partnered up with a (very attractive) lady dentist of my acquaintance, which was nice until I discovered that she had epilepsy and wasn't allowed to have any acupuncture.
Which meant I had to let her stab me and then stab myself as well with her guiding me where to stick the pins!
Finished the day feeling like Pinhead from the Hellraiser story

Back to your TMJ, anything you can do to relieve the stress will help too, a massage or some aromatherapy maybe?

 

[MountainMama]

No, I wouldn't take that chance either.

That reminds me, I did an acupuncture course once, I was sitting enjoying the lecture when the lecturer calmly told us that we'd be starting practicing on each other next... unfortunately for me, I was partnered up with a (very attractive) lady dentist of my acquaintance, which was nice until I discovered that she had epilepsy and wasn't allowed to have any acupuncture.
Which meant I had to let her stab me and then stab myself as well with her guiding me where to stick the pins!
Finished the day feeling like Pinhead from the Hellraiser story

Back to your TMJ, anything you can do to relieve the stress will help too, a massage or some aromatherapy maybe?

Oh goodness! I don’t think I would have been able to do that to myself.

It is much better now. Hot packs do help, and my daughter’s health issues are getting figured out. We have a plan going forward which alleviates the stress of the unknown.

I figured out that using an extra pillow at night is helping me not to clench my teeth as much, so less sore TMJ in the morning!

 

[Gordon]

That's great, I'm glad it's getting better and I hope daughter continues to improve.