Ear and Jaw problems - (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

[one_damo]

Hi All,

I had an accident on the bike last week, where there was a decent impact on the right side of my head, mainly right side chin where i required stitches. Since the accident my left side jaw was very sore to the point where I couldn't chew hard foods or put any real pressure down. I could move the jaw laterally side to side without much pain but put pressure down when biting, and it was agony. About a week and a bit later now, and I can just start to chew with some normality. Problem is when chewing, I get the scratching/clicking sounds with every movement of the mouth to chew.

I had a CT scan of the facial bones and it returned clear. No problems there. My hearing is not impaired, with the exception of perhaps a very small dulling sensation whenever I chew and get the clicking. This sensation goes away when I finish eating. As mentioned, there is no more pain when chewing.

I've narrowed the problem down to TMJ, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. My issue is, as there is no pain or hearing disorder (for now), is there a possibility that this could lead to arthritis issues or hearing problems in the future? And is there any form of treatment I can do at the moment to minimise a) the possibility of those said, and b) the annoying cracking/clicking sounds ?

A bit off topic from this, my work colleague showed me his "party trick" from a skiing accident where, if he applies pressure to this joint just below the ear, it causes him to cough and splutter (ie. choke) all over the place I'm not too keen on acquiring this talent, if it is at all related.

Anyone had any similar issue or experience with this?

Thanks
Damian.

[Jen]

Ouch doesn't sound like a fun accident.

I had issues with my TMJ after having my wisdom teeth removed years ago. My dentist referred me to a chiropractor, treatment made a significant improvement. I've not had the "clicking" for years, ocassionally it gets a bit stiff but not often.

I hope you recover soon.

[NhiTrac]

I self diagnosed myself with this as well though mine wasnt brought on from an accident.

Woke up one morning and jaw was a bit stiff. Went to open my mouth to brush my teeth and thats when it really hurt. Then for about a week I couldnt chew any hard solid foods or open my mouth really big. That was about two weeks ago. Its almost gone now though I sometimes still get a bit of discomfort.

Apparently its because I'm grinding my teeth when I sleep so stressing the muscles or something like that. A work colleague had the same thing many years ago and after a visit to her dentist, and $400 ($#%!!!) later for a moulded mouth guard she does not have the problem anymore.

Me, I havent gotten off my arse to go see the doctor/dentist yet

[nutsack]

Tmj dysfunction cant lead to hearing problems but can lead to arthritis of the tmj. The clicking may be cartilage damage (or less likely subluxation of the joint).

Either way you should consider getting your gp to refer you to a oromaxillofacial specialist to get the clicking assessed ($$$). Ct can't assess the tmj. You may get referred for an MRI or have an arthrogram done to look into it further.

[one_damo]

Thanks for the feedback. Might go see a specialist when $$ add up. Still have the clicking and a little pain. The arthritis is what worries me most.

Damian.

[Chops]

Sure you weren't just concussed and had your lower ram up into your top jaw?

Whenever I've been knocked out or concussed, my jaw is the first thing I notice.


I'd be more worried about if you start grinding your teeth in your sleep and things.

[fail]

I had this, jaw used to click and lock, couldn't eat hard food or chomp down on them, even used to click whilst eating. I believe this all came about after the removal of my wisdom teeth. My mouth could barely open the width of two fingers.

I was recommended surgical fixes which is $$$, but then spoke to my aunt who is a dental nurse and recommended I try build up my jaw muscles and see how I go. Stretching of the jaw/mouth and clamping down on a popsicle/icy pole stick between your front top and bottom teeth for 15-30 sec. I did this for a little while with some improvement, eventually did less and less of the stretching and the problem has gone away completely.

Some people do also grind their teeth which may cause this, but the main reason people are given silicone plates to wear at night is to stop your teeth and enamel from grinding away!

Go ahead and try the stretches and popsicle stick clamps and hopefully there is an improvement, mine was severe and this seemed to have solved the problem.

[scotto]

there are some physios that specialise in TMJ - google rocabado physio TMJ. they can show you stretches and exercises to help the jaw. ( you'll need gloves !)

also, some dentists specialise in orthotics that reduce certain jaw movements during sleep - a lot of TMJ problems occur from grinding your teeth/jaw during sleep.

there is a cartilage/meniscus in the joint, much like your knee, that can tear and can require surgery. MRI will show this "usually"

i used to work with a specialist who did TMJ replacements, though he retired last year. they were experimental procedures and were used when the joint was damaged beyond repair ( ie trauma)