re: Has anyone here dealt with TMJ disorder?

quote:

---

It's only on my right side. I don't have any issues opening, yawning for example is no issue. It just hurts when I bite down. Don't know how to really explain the feeling, but it feels like there's an object in my inner ear that my ear constricts around when I bite down all the way. Like I said though, if I tilt my head forward to where my chin is basically touching my chest, then it doesn't feel as bad and I can chew somewhat normally. And no, I'm in my mid 30s and never had this be an issue before.

---

Definitely go see a dentist. When I have patients with this issue, I will start them off on a custom fit nightguard. It may take a bit for the symptoms to resolve. Also chew on the side that is hurting. That may sound weird but think of a seesaw, when I put weight on one side the other goes up, same with chewing. If you chew on the side that doesn't hurt, it is pushing your lower jawbone into the joint on the hurting side and can make the symptoms continue. Occasionally a steroid pack will help also.