TMJ?

[khaarina]

I saw an Ear Nose and Throat specialist about recurring sinus and ear pain and she diagnosed me with TMJ. It makes a lot of sense given the increasing tension in my neck and jaw. It is often impossible for me to relax them, for apparently no reason at all. Is TMJ a typical symptom of MS? I am also having breathing problems (constantly yawning and sighing, having trouble catching my breath, etc.). Are breathing problems related to TMJ in some way?

[SNOOPY]

Is TMJ a typical symptom of MS?

No. TMJ is not related to MS.

For information about TMJ and it's causes please go to the URL below.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/tempo...e/page2_em.htm

[KatieDidNOT]

I have TMJ from a broken jaw years back. TMJ is not in any way related to MS. It is usually caused from teeth grinding or traumatic injury. It can also be caused by osteoporosis or one of the drugs used to treat osteoporosis.

TMJ causes pain to radiate to the ear, neck, throat and of course jaw. It causes problems with eating food and can cause headaches too. I have never experienced breathing problems. Something the ENT could answer.

If your TMJ is causing significant discomfort you need to see a dentist or oral surgeon who specializes in TMJ. They will make you a special mouth brace that initially you wear 24 hours a day and then just at night to correctly reposition the jaw. After a few months, the pain will go away. I rarely wear my brace now. Only if I feel pain coming on.

My medical insurance paid for everything since TMJ is considered a medical condition (in most circumstances) vs. a dental issue. But check with the provider first, because treatment is expensive.

Katie

[Flug]

I have TMJ but its most likely related to my other condition AS (ankylosing spondylitis ) a small percentage of people with that condition have TMJ

[akafearless]

There is a muscle in the jaw (can't remember the name) which can be affected by MS. It presents as TMJ. I've had problems for awhile but hadn't really connected the two.

One day was surfing and found a site with all these cool neuro tests. One of the tests was opening the mouth and the jaw deviates (sways) to the weaker side. I can only partially open my mouth otherwise it pops and hurts.
My chiro couldn't fix it either.

[Shashi]

I've had TMJ since I was about 13. I remember waking up and not being able to open my mouth more than about half an inch. Through the years, I've had pain and clicking/popping sounds in my jaw. I finally have learned to just live with it. It doesn't bother me much anymore, but can't yawn big or chew gum.

One of my students was diagnosed with TMJ, and she was told by her doctor that looking down at the computer (especially a laptop) for a long time can actually contribute to TMJ because of the stress placed on the neck and face muscles. I thought that was interesting. (Though back when I first got TMJ, we didn't even have computers.)

I don't know about the breathing problems being related to TMJ. It sounds more like you may not be breathing deeply enough to get enough oxygen and release carbon dioxide, so the yawning is trying to compensate for it. That could be caused by your posture or just subconsciously not breathing deeply. (I have to watch this too, as I've noticed that I times I actually hold my breath!) You may want to mention this to your doctor.

Hugs,

Lisa