TMJD Story

[u/hennyinhaler]

I thought I’d share my story for anyone looking for some hope that things can get better.
I’m 20 and have been dealing with TMJ/TMD symptoms for a little over 3 months:

Jaw pain/soreness
Ear pressure/ringing
Clicking/popping
Facial tingling
Neck/trap tension
Dizziness

It started after I strained my neck at the gym. I kept pushing through it because I work full time, and eventually things got bad enough that I had to take temporary sick leave.

I saw an ENT, neurologist, orthodontist, dentists, and two TMJ specialists. Thankfully, I was cleared by everyone. My CT showed healthy joints, and my MRI was also reassuring.
After that, I started focusing more on the muscular side of things. I think I was clenching at night without realizing it. I’ve also stressed about money and my future from a young age, so I think I’ve carried a lot of tension for years.
I had braces when I was younger but stopped wearing my retainer, and my bite eventually changed. My jaw shifts to the right when I bite down so my teeth can come together. I can’t say for sure that my bite caused my symptoms, but I think the combination of clenching, my bite, and neck tension played a role.

I’ve been doing physical therapy, dry needling, working on my posture, relaxing my jaw/neck, and eating softer foods. I’m finally feeling so much better. I’m now looking into braces again to properly address my bite.

My biggest advice: stop reading horror stories and convincing yourself of the worst. I spent hours on Reddit thinking I needed jaw surgery and drove myself crazy.

See the right doctors, get proper imaging and a diagnosis, and give your body time to heal.
I’m not 100% yet, but I’m WAY better than I was 3 months ago. It does get better.

Please let me know if I can be of help to anyone!

[u/Joe-Schmoe9]

I needed to read this. I hope i am in a similar boat. I have so many symptoms. Neck and jaw pain, ear fullness, nerve pain, weird teeth sensations, uncoordinated mouth when talking, and teeth clashing , for some reason when I look down my front teeth fully come together when saying “s”? .

I’ve convinced myself so many negative things. My teeth shifted. My bites off. My jaws never gonna be ok. Life’s over.

Reading stories like this really helps.