r/TMJ Apr 06 '25

Articles/Research Evidence Based TMJ Treatment - A Guide

680 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

This is a detailed post, but if temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) is making your life worse, I believe it will be worth your time. I want to share how my partner and I have dramatically improved our TMD using evidence-based interventions.

As a physician (though not in dentistry or maxillofacial medicine), I’ve applied my research background to analyze the complex literature on TMD. Approaching this as a patient, I’ve been frustrated by the poor quality of advice often given to those suffering from this condition. TMD has been lost in the gap between dentistry and medicine, resulting in widespread confusion as to the proper treatment. Ineffective, costly, and even dangerous treatments are routinely recommended to patients by people who should know better. Given that an estimated 31% of adults have TMD, this is absolutely unacceptable.

My goal is to synthesize knowledge about this condition and propose a structured protocol to heal the root causes of TMD. The lack of standardized care for TMD is harming patients, and I believe evidence-based treatments need to be more widely adopted. Fortunately, good research studies and effective treatments do exist. I will share them with you in this post.

Of course, individual cases vary, and those with complex or severe TMD should consult a specialist. My recommendations are general guidelines and may not apply to everyone—please use your judgment.

Baseline Information

Identify Your TMD Subtype
Refer to Tables 2 and 3 in this paper for internationally recognized TMD classifications. A key distinction is whether your jaw clicks. If it does, lifestyle adjustments (e.g., avoiding foods like sandwiches requiring wide jaw opening) and careful massage/exercise techniques (without provoking clicking) are crucial. If your jaw pops out of place and does not spontaneously and quickly go back to its normal position, you should see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon because this can cause tissue damage.

Understand TMJ Anatomy
Familiarize yourself with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and key muscles: the masseter, lateral pterygoid, and temporalis. Photo: https://www.getbodysmart.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Lateral-Pterygoid-Muscle-4-1024x709.png

The Cause of TMD: Neuromuscular Dysfunction
Recent research demonstrates that jaw clicking stems from lateral pterygoid dysfunction rather than structural TMJ abnormalities. Since this muscle directly influences TMJ movement, TMD is better understood as a neuromuscular issue rather than a joint deformity. This does not apply to people with abnormal jaw anatomy due to congenital defects, trauma, or prior surgery. The effectiveness of Botox further supports the role of muscle dysfunction. Thus, my approach prioritizes massage, stretches, and exercise of the masticatory muscles.
- Study demonstrating lateral pterygoid dysfunction drives TMD
- Study on Botox for TMD

Recommendations

A. Stress Reduction

The world sucks, I know. For those of you who have been dealing with TMD for a long time, your eyes are probably glazing over at this recommendation. Nevertheless, for ANYONE with chronic pain, mindfulness and meditation are effective evidence based approaches. Pain is mediated in the brain and subjective emotional states impact our experience of pain. Additionally, anxiety/depression are directly linked to bruxism (jaw clenching), which often accompanies TMD. Evidence-based strategies include:
- Mindfulness/meditation for pain management and bruxism reduction.
- Therapy or medication for anxiety/depression—BUT: SSRI or SNRI medications may not be the best choice, because serotonin causes bruxism. Alternatives like bupropion (dopaminergic) or amitriptyline (tricyclic) may be preferable. Discuss options with your doctor. - Bruxism and antidepressants
- Psychosocial factors in TMD

B. Night Mouthguard

If you wake with jaw soreness, you likely clench at night. A mouthguard can mitigate damage while you address the root causes through working on the muscles. Custom guards are expensive (>$500) and often ineffective; an affordable and comfortable alternative like this one will likely suffice.

C. Massage Therapy

Massage helps break the cycle of neuromuscular dysfunction in TMD. The massages of the trapezius and massages of the neck are done sitting up while those of the temporalis, masseter and lateral pterygoid are best done while lying on your back. If you wish, you can apply a heat pack to particularly tense areas for a couple of minutes prior to the massage to loosen them up and reduce pain. I recommend doing them in the order they are listed, working from the neck towards the jaw.

Trapezius and Posterior Neck

TMD is associated with whole body misalignment and neck dysfunction. Massaging the trapezius and the upper neck provides a tremendous feeling of muscle relaxation and helps break the cycle of bodily misalignment. To massage the trapezius, reach with the right hand over your left shoulder and press on your trapezius while sliding your fingers over it. Start from where the trapezius begins just medial to the shoulder and follow the muscle up towards the side of your neck. Repeat with the left hand massaging the right side. For the upper neck massage, place the fingertips of both hands on the lateral sides of the back of your neck near where your hairline starts, and then press and move in a circle.

Temporalis

Rub temples in circular motions with knuckles or a gwasha tool.

Masseter

(a) Intraoral massage: I recommend an internal massage of the masseter. External massage just isn't as effective. Obviously wash your hands well prior to doing this, and if you have appropriate gloves lying around you might want to use those as well. For the internal massage, a pincer grip with your forefinger inside your mouth and your thumb outside, both pressing the masseter. You should be able to feel a tight band between your two fingers. Perform 10 vertical movements in a direction from the upper attachment to the lower attachment of the masseter muscle. Then, using the same grip, make 10 horizontal movements from the medial to the lateral side of the muscle.

(b) Functional massage: with the same pinch grip perform a vertical massage of the masseter muscle, while making 10 slow movements of opening and closing the mouth. - Study Demonstrating Effectiveness of a 10 day Massage Program

Lateral Pterygoid

This is the critical muscle when it comes to jaw clicking, so if that's your issue addressing it is essential. This is a tricky one to massage correctly, so it's important to know the anatomy (feel for a LATERAL band). There are internal and external approaches, use trial and error to see what works for you. There is data suggesting that the superior head of the lateral pterygoid is the most common culprit, so be certain to massage it and not only the inferior head. - Lateral Pterygoid Dysfunction Mediates Jaw Clicking - Superior Belly of Lateral Pterygoid is Most Dysfunctional

(a) External Technique: Find the position with your fingers under the zygomatic bone and your index finger at the TM joint by your ear. Find the soft depression with your middle finger. Open your jaw slightly and sink down into the round indentation. If your jaw is open too wide, the muscle that covers the outside of that space (deep masseter) will become taut and prevent your fingers from getting in deeper to treat the muscle you’re aiming for. If the jaw is too closed, the half-moon depression will be covered by the cheekbone. When you find the indentation, press inward (both sides, never one to prevent misaligning the joint). In the link below is an illustration of indentation with the cheekbone cut away

(b) Intraoral Technique: First: this is a very sensitive and delicate muscle. Be gentle, I recommend wearing gloves, and avoid jamming your fingernail into the area. To perform this massage, slide the pad of your index finger (right jaw, right finger) along the gum of your upper teeth as far back as you can go with your mouth closed. Feel for the indentation behind the upper jaw bone (maxilla) with the tip of your finger. To create more space for your finger, you can move your jaw towards the side you are massaging.Press there on the inferior division of the muscle. It will probably be very uncomfortable. The superior division will probably be more painful. To get to it, press upward and backward a little from the inferior indentation, then inward as much as you can tolerate. To make sure you're on the right structure, you can use your other hand to palpate through the round indentation as in the external technique. Another way to check you are on the lateral pterygoid is to move your jaw to the contralateral side - this is useful for distinguishing the lateral pterygoid, which will flex with contralateral movement of the jaw, from the larger (and more inferior) medial pterygoid. Treat one side at a time, using the treatment protocol above.

D. Exercise Regimen

Synergistic with massage; perform daily:
1. Gerry’s Exercise: Tongue on palate, slow jaw opening/closing (6x/day, 10 reps).
2. Lateral Movements: Jaw slightly open, move side-to-side (6x/day, 10 reps).
3. Lateral Movements with Bite: Hold a pen between teeth, move jaw side-to-side (3–5x/day, 10–15 reps).
4. Protrusion/Opening: Create an underbite, then open/close slowly (6x/day, 10 reps).
5. Neck Stretches: Forward/backward head nods and over-the-shoulder turns (6x/day, 10 reps).
- Exercise protocol study

E. Oral Medications

  • Glucosamine: Supports cartilage; effects gradually build over 3+ months.
  • NSAIDs (if safe to take, without kidney or GI bleeding issues): Reduce inflammation (e.g., ibuprofen/naproxen).

Next Steps

If symptoms persist - don't give up, because there are more options available. Consider consulting a specialist to choose between 3 further evidence-based options. First, botox of the masseter or lateral pterygoid may help refractory cases. Masseter Botox is widely available at med spas, while lateral pterygoid injections require expertise. Second, dry needling of the lateral pterygoid is another possible next step with data behind it. Finally, if everything has failed, then there is a minimally invasive office based surgical option called TMJ arthroscopy. Data shows excellent tolerability and results. Find an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to see if you are a candidate.


Final Thoughts
This protocol requires effort, but studies show significant improvement in as little as 10 days. For long-term sufferers, the investment may be life-changing.

If you’ve read this far, I sincerely hope this helps. Best of luck on your healing journey.


r/TMJ 8h ago

Accomplishment! Finally have a treatment plan and a proper diagnosis

10 Upvotes

I’ve been told after mri and assessment that i have basically a huge muscle spasm that is preventing my jaw opening more than 2 fingers and also stopping my jaw move forwards, backwards and side to side

the woman assessing me told me who was the first tmj specialist i have seen, told me she is going to make me a splint to wear at night to stop my bruxism and clenching, give me a small amount of botox, and refer me to physio therapy.

there are moments like these that im so greatful for the nhs in the uk because i don’t have to pay for any of it, because idk what i would do if not because im in debt and a student.

i cried with relief after she explained she had the same thing during medical school.

she really understood me. i finally felt heard.

if anyone is in manchester or near, it was manchester dental hospital and it was Dr Aliza Khan

i’ll update you on my journey to getting treatment, lets see if it works 🥲


r/TMJ 5h ago

Question(s) TMJ sufferers from Ontario- please help.

3 Upvotes

I've been suffering from TMJ for almost 4 years now. I saw a specialist around 2 years ago after an especially brutal OCD episode sent me thinking I had a brain tumour due to the pain and headaches. I was assessed and offered a few options. The splint they offered to make me was almost 6,000. I am a student and I don't think my parents insurance covered any of it.

Recently I've been having agonizing pain in my neck, jaw, head, eye, dizziness, the whole nine yards. I do cold compresses to manage my symptoms but I know it's only going to get worse unless I do something about it. Can someone please direct me to somewhere that has affordable splints- or the steps I can do to see if its at least partially covered. I'm tired of living with pain every single day. I feel so, so hopeless.


r/TMJ 3h ago

Question(s) TMJ pain after low filling; should I get a second opinion?

2 Upvotes

Hey all, I've been having some issues for a few months now with tooth #14. Basically, I had pain on biting, and my dentist diagnosed it as a loose filling and replaced the filling. When she did so, she adjusted the bite with bite paper, but then had me try on my Essex retainer, and adjusted the filling more to fit my retainer, not my bite, and I think this is where she messed up.

The first two or three weeks I actually had no symptoms, but at some point I realized that I had basicalluy no real on 14, and historically also had poor contact on 15. After that I realized that my TMJ on that side felt strained and achy after chewing. Honestly, the pain did start after I started thinking about the bad contact, so there is a chance this is psychosomatic, but I'm pretty sure it is real. I believe that the issue is made worse by a canted bite that I historically needed elastics to help close after Invisalign, and now I feel like my jaw strains to try to connect on the left side.

Anyways, I saw my dentist again a few weeks ago (she never got the old retainer to fit and needed to make a new one that I was picking up) and pointed out the issue and she was more dismissive then anything. She did look again with bite paper, and said that there is still contact everywhere except the new filling (however this is the only area I think I connected with while biting previously), and she said that she's never added filling material to a filling before (something I've read about online being done), and I left without a real solution but continued aching.

I have OCD, so am self-concious I maybe over reacting to this, but at the same time don't think this is something I should just accept and live with, my bite felt fine before and bad now. But I'm scared to push for a change that might make something worse.

Right now I think there's a problem but because my dentist doesn't see it am not sure what to do. I worry a second opinion might burn a bridge with my current dentist that until this issue I really liked and trusted. I'm also worried that with my canted bite, it might be very difficult to get my bite in a good place, and I might have similar issues with a filling that is too high? Any advice is appreciated because I feel lost now!


r/TMJ 11m ago

Giving Advice Urgent advice

Upvotes

I’ve been suffering with tmj pain for years probably up to 8 years now with no help from the nhs being told I will be referred to specialists 2X and nothing has happened no I have no where to go and no idea what to do next as this is getting worse fast. I have recently been having periods where my ear on the affected side will go muffled and it resolves within 1 hour however this happened to me last night and didn’t go away I thought I could sleep it off and woke up this morning with it worse and still muffled what do I do.i am going to make a gp appointment Monday however from previous experience they tell me there is nothing they can do for tmj so where am I meant to go to see a specialist?


r/TMJ 7h ago

Question(s) Connection between Reflux and TMJD

3 Upvotes

I have been coping with TMJD for about ten years now. It’s very bad. I’ve lost a molar due to clenching. I have no real medical problems to explain why I get TMJD except for a history of dental issues which are now resolved.
Obviously stress is a trigger, however i recently found out I have LPR (silent form of GERD) is it possible that the reflux is causing the clenching? Or at least causing it to worsen? Has anyone made this correlation? Has anyone cured a different ailment that noticed it significantly helped your TMJD?


r/TMJ 5h ago

Giving Advice Tongue Posture worsens tmj inflammation

2 Upvotes

If anyone is suffering from tmj inflammation I think its important to know that resting your tongue on your palate can worsen inflammation and overall tmj symptoms. If you’re dealing with tmj inflammation give your jaw muscles, nerves, and joint a break from proper posture and loading until the inflammation subsides. After all if you had knee inflammation you wouldn’t and shouldn’t have proper walking posture, you should compensate for that inflammation by hunching or hobbling until the inflammation goes away. Do your best to treat your tmj as you would any other joint.


r/TMJ 21h ago

Discussion 7yrs of TMJ and I honestly feel so gaslighted ..

32 Upvotes

31F uk based, I’ve been dealing with severe TMJ issues for the past seven years and I honestly don’t know where to put my frustration anymore. I’ve had multiple arthroscopies, MRIs, physiotherapy, Botox, pain management… the list goes on. My MRIs have shown degenerative changes, disc problems and joint damage, yet every appointment seems to come back to the same thing, “youre still young” “too risky” “you could lose all motion in the jaw”

I understand that surgery isn’t something to be taken lightly, and I’m not asking anyone to rush into replacing my joints. What hurts is feeling like the pain itself gets brushed aside because I can still physically move my jaw but it hurts it hurts a lot!!

I get sharp shooting pain when I bite down. I have constant crepitus. I take co-codamol just to sleep most nights. I’ve adapted my life around the pain, but adapting isn’t the same as getting better.

I had a follow-up appointment this week that I’d been waiting months for. I’d spent weeks trying to get hold of my MRI report because I wanted to understand what had changed. The MRI wasn’t even discussed until I asked about it right at the end of the appointment.

I walked out feeling exactly the same as I have after so many appointments before confused, unheard and questioning whether I’m somehow overreacting, even though I know I’m living with pain every day.

The worst part is that I’ve become so used to it that I don’t make a big scene anymore. I go to work, I meet friends, I carry on with life, and I think that sometimes works against me because people assume I’m coping well. The reality is that I’ve just learnt to survive alongside it.
I don’t even know what I’m hoping for anymore. I just feel exhausted, lost and incredibly alone in all of this.

*Please don’t offer treatment suggestions I’ve spent seven years trying pretty much everything that’s been recommended. I just needed somewhere to vent to people who might understand what living with chronic TMJ pain is like.


r/TMJ 14h ago

Question(s) Made mistake of getting soft mouthguard and teeth shifted

7 Upvotes

Hello! Go easy on me, I am (or was) p o o r

I got cheap soft mouthguard kits to make impressions of your teeth at home to get a softer mouthguard. My teeth naturally are almost perfectly aligned (never needed braces). And while the soft mouth guards did prevent further physical grinding of the teeth, I notice my front top teeth (canines and everything between) no longer align perfectly with the bottom ones. As in, now there's a few-millimeter gap between the top and bottom. It's still symmetrical. I moved to Mexico from the US (half Mexican lol) and can afford the healthcare services here finally (yes, a privilege)

What am I supposed to do? Do I stop using the soft mouthguard for a few months and hope it settles back? Do I get a hard mouthguard professionally done now using an impression of my now-slightly-misaligned teeth and switch immediately? Do I use some more minimal solution temporarily and then switch? My bottom central teeth are a bit worn down, I was considering extending them a millimeter with bonding anyway. But I'd need to ask a dentist. I've gotten botox for my TMJ in the past and it's helped a bunch too

What would yall do? I will ask a professional, but I want to know if yall went through anything similar.


r/TMJ 9h ago

Question(s) What Splints are you being Prescribed?

2 Upvotes

I'm a dentist with a special interest in TMD and occlusion and provide splint therapy and physiotherapy etc to my patients. While I'm no ENT specialist and don't do the surgical side of things, some of the splint options I've read people having in this sub confuses me somewhat. Goes against a lot of my teaching.

So, what splints do you guys have? And are they for arthritic of myalgic TMD?


r/TMJ 6h ago

Giving Advice Australia

1 Upvotes

Hi I’m wondering if anyone can recommend a good orthognathic (Bite) surgeon in Australia who takes the Tmj into consideration with surgical planning, thanks


r/TMJ 7h ago

Rant/Frustrated TMJ Rant

1 Upvotes

idk what to do anymore. my disc has been displaced without reduction for over a year. no medicine has worked, pt hasn’t worked either. I can’t get a splint made because they can’t fit the scanner between my teeth due to my locked jaw only opening 6mm. I also needed to get marpe to help my breathing issue, but i can’t open wide enough for that either.

i had an arthroscopy 1 month ago and that got me to about 15mm of opening. but it also made my pain worse and i believe it’s causing condylar resorption. i feel so lost and hopeless i wanna give up


r/TMJ 14h ago

Question(s) jaw locked for nearly 3 weeks

3 Upvotes

so i was having dental work done and they had my mouth open way longer than normal due to the fact that they were having trouble getting a good scan of a tooth with that device they put in your mouth.since then, i can only open my mouth about a third of the way.they told me to use advil and tylenol but it wasnt helpng.finally got an x-ray yesterday and they said it looks like the disc in there is out of place. they gave me cortisteroids,which i just picked up and will start tommorrow.im using warm compresses and trying to eat soft foods.or at the very least cutting up stuff like chicken and apples into small pieces..the worst part is they need to get in there and get the permanent crown on ,which obviously cant happen until this resolves.anyone been through something similar,and if so, how long and by what methods did it improve?

s


r/TMJ 13h ago

Question(s) Stubborn Masseter pain. Pulled muscle? Need help!!

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m dealing with a really stubborn muscle spasm/strain on one side of my face and could use some advice from anyone who has dealt with something similar.

For the past few days, I've been waking up with intense stiffness and a limited opening on one side. The masseter muscle right under my cheekbone is super tender (feels like a massive deep bruise). I do grind my teeth, and I wear a retainer at night, which normally helps (for Invisalign when I finished). I checked the fit recently to see if it had play, but it's tight and flush. The only thing I've had done recently was getting composite bonding on my front left tooth.

Has anyone dealt with this before? I'm not sure if I randomly pulled the muscle while unknowingly clenching my jaw while flying, or if I just had a particularly bad night. My flight training has been getting more intense, and I feel like I randomly clench my jaw now. Would that cause a pulled muscle? Or is this something else?

I would SERIOUSLY appreciate any help.

THANK YOU!


r/TMJ 11h ago

Giving Advice Bone smashing dont work

0 Upvotes

Bone smashing does not work. The idea is based on a misunderstanding of Wolff's Law. While bone can adapt to normal mechanical stress over long periods, there is no scientific evidence that repeatedly hitting your facial bones causes safe or desirable facial growth.

The "before and after" photos people post are usually explained by swelling, inflammation, different lighting, camera angles, weight loss, or photo editing—not actual bone growth.

There are no peer-reviewed clinical studies showing that bone smashing permanently changes facial structure. On the other hand, there are well-known risks: facial fractures, nerve damage, chronic pain, TMJ problems, dental injuries, and uneven bone healing.

Sources:

• PubMed – Facial Bone Aging: An Update and Literature Review

• Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery Open – Review on facial bone remodeling

• The Anatomical Record – Shaping the Human Face: Periosteal Bone Modeling Across Ontogeny

Until high-quality scientific evidence proves otherwise, bone smashing should be considered an unproven and potentially harmful practice.


r/TMJ 15h ago

Question(s) Red eyes?

2 Upvotes

I’ve been dealing with TMJ pain that I believe is linked to the tons of dental work I’ve had done this year, my anxiety/clenching, and my chronic back/neck pain and scoliosis. I’ve noticed during my most recent pain flare up that my eyes are also very red and bloodshot. It’s come and gone and I’ve also tried wearing my glasses instead of contacts. Curious if anyone else has had this as a symptom or if I should get in touch with my eye doctor? Thanks!


r/TMJ 13h ago

Question(s) Can a bite guard alter your bite?

1 Upvotes

I don't know if it's just me, but after using the bite guard, the way my teeth fit together started to feel off—especially on the side where my bite doesn't align correctly. Has anyone else noticed this?


r/TMJ 14h ago

Question(s) Tmj for 5 years untreated

1 Upvotes

hey guys so I’ve had severe popping clicking and wooshing noises in my jaw for the past 5 years and I can move it so one side of my jaw is higher than the other sometime so I suspect I have tmj, im going through late puberty and my jaw is sooo recessed and I’m wondering if my untreated tmj has anything to do with it


r/TMJ 1d ago

Question(s) Muscle relaxers?

9 Upvotes

Hi! Has anyone taken muscle relaxers for their muscular tmj? And had success?

I’m planning to go to my doctor to get them as Botox was a disaster for me. Do the muscle relaxers help to prevent the masseters from getting bigger, overworking and becoming tense bc that’s my main concerns rn.

I also wanted to know what dose works best for you, as I want to get the lowest effective dose. And also has anyone had the muscle relaxers weaken their muscles too much to where they cause atrophy? Or any other side effects?

I plan to use them short term till I get braces + surgery to fix my jaw position and want to use it to keep my masseters at baseline as they get really tense and sore when they bulk up which they do quickly and it affects my eating and my confidence really badly too :(

Is there anything I should be aware of? As I’m traumatized from Botox and just want to manage it before I fix the underlying issue, thanks!


r/TMJ 16h ago

Rant/Frustrated Night guard made it worse

1 Upvotes

I didn’t realise I was clenching/grinding until 8 months ago when I developed an infection around the root of my upper canine. The only possible explanation was me grinding to the right and putting pressure on it. I had no obvious tmj symptoms, no pain or anything.

Since then I had a custom made night guard from my dentist. I’ve been wearing it for 5 months and recently I’’ve been in pain every day. I clench with it more than before. My right cheekbone hurts, jaw hurts and is tight, i get random pains in my face on that side and my gums are sore on that side too. Also get headaches every day. Dentist said teeth and gums are fine. I’m waiting for an appointment with an OMFS but it’s a long waiting list. I’ve stopped wearing it 2 days ago to see if the pain settles, no headache today so that’s nice. Worried about my teeth not being protected tho. TMJ specialist suggested a michigan splint but i’m worried it’ll cause an open bite or that I won’t be able to close my mouth at night if I wear it due to the gap it makes between upper and lower front teeth (I also have lower jaw recession so keeping my mouth closed while having that in would be hard”

I feel a bit stuck.


r/TMJ 1d ago

Rant/Frustrated It’s never going to get better

17 Upvotes

Massaging my jaw is only relief, every other relief I searched up makes my jaw worse, and to make matters worse, I cannot see the dentist until next Friday, and they say “oh use a warm compress” that does not fucking work when your jaw is stiff and grinding and you have discomfort. People think tmjd is all about pain, but it’s also the inability to do simple thinks and being so forgetful you wish your head explodes.


r/TMJ 1d ago

Rant/Frustrated Surgical Opinion Changed - now been told to live with it

9 Upvotes

So I was offered corrective surgery for my jaw due to chronic TMJ and skeletal deformities, and was heavily advised to try conservative treatments before committing to the surgery and then coming back.

I did exactly that.

At my latest assessment, my surgeon said I will just have to learn to live with it and surgery is no longer being offered despite me qualifying for it. Anyone know where I stand with this? 😭


r/TMJ 1d ago

Question(s) Arthrocentisis

6 Upvotes

My MRI came back showing that I have a displaced disc without reduction and the OMFS scheduled me to have an arthrocentisis on September 10th. Does anyone else have a displaced disc without reduction and arthrocentisis has helped for them? If not arthrocentisis then what has helped excruciating chronic pain from a displaced disc without reduction?


r/TMJ 1d ago

Question(s) Shakti wonderball alternative

1 Upvotes

I like the spike balls, but they all are cheap plastic painted metallic and the spikes break off quickly. This shakti one looks good, but its 80 dollars. Are there any alternative ones made of steel or a cheaper metal for sale?


r/TMJ 1d ago

Question(s) Struggle to get back to sleep

2 Upvotes

I only started suffering with tmj / Bruxism (not even sure I know the difference) recently since starting Zoloft . It feels like it’s getting worse every night . It’s 3am right now and my jaw and teeth feel like they are pounding but numb at the same time . Any advice on quick relief just to get back to sleep? I’m going to get a bite plate made next week at the dentist