Question

So I have really bad TMJ. I woke up this morning and my jaw was locked, it usually pops back in but has been so uncomfortable all day and hard to eat even soft stuff. Dentist told me there was nothing they could do. Any suggestions? I don’t think it warrants a ER visit but it is super uncomfortable.  

Answer 1

A Chiropractor may be able to help.  

Answer 2

Physical therapist! I know ATI deals with those issues!  

Comments

@presumptive18 that is good to know! I would have never thought of that

---

The only reason it popped in my head is bc I go to ATI and my PT was telling me they have to wear face shields for those issues since they're so close to people's faces lol

---

@presumptive18 lmao makes sense. When I was 7 months pregnant it locked I had to go to the er and have it put back in. I’ve had the issue since I was little but man it’s getting worse

Answer 3

I work with 2 therapists that specialize in treating tmj

Comments

@unprepared can you send me their info!  

---

@sommelier they both work for NorthShore, do you know if we’re in network with your insurance?  

---

@unprepared I’m not sure I have blue cross ppo through my work

---

@sommelier I’m gonna text you

Answer 4

My husband is a chiro and he deals with a lot of TMJ.  

Comments

@revolve65322 do you know he is seeing patients right now?  

---

@sommelier he works in New Lenox, but his office has started taking appointments for acute patients. He said Olympia chiro and PT in Park Ridge is probably a good bet. They have a chiro and a PT on staff. He says generally Olympia's offices are pretty good.  

Answer 5

Massage the joint as much as you can. Continue opening and closing your jaw as much as you can tolerate to keep it from getting stiff. Drama/face exercises, like making your face as small as possible then as large as possible. Alternate heat and ice. I had terrible TMJ as a teenager and these things helped.  

Answer 6

I massage the area and afterwards I use a ice pack lay on it .  

Answer 7

1)Thermal flush which is hot and cold compress in 10 minute intervals of 1 minute hot, 1 minute cold beginning with hot and ending with hot. 2)Ibuprofen works for pain relief and as an anti inflammatory. 3)Massage masseter muscle. 4)Avoid hard foods ex. nuts and over extending your jaw upon opening so cut up food in small pieces.  

Answer 8

I had this as a kid and it was THE WORST most scary thing ever. I still have nightmares about it. Once I had braces and they were off it went away but I am always terrified it will come back. No advice but just wanted to let you know I’m sorry that’s so awful.  

Answer 9

My dentist referred me to a chiropractor for TMJ. Arlington Family Chiropractic on Northwest Hwy just before the racetrack. Dr. Hendon. He is still seeing patients and wears a mask from what I heard. I don’t go anymore but did for a long time. I have TMJ but it’s rarely painful but the noise of it once in a while (dental exams) bothers others more than it does me! Good luck I can imagine how painful it is!  

Answer 10

Go see a DPT (doctor of physical therapy)! Esp one who is licensed for dry needling. My husband is a DPT and has worked with tons of TMJ and dry needling has been immensely beneficial

Answer 11

My husband and I are Chiropractors. My husband is seeing patients and can help. Innate Concepts Chiropractic in Mt Prospect