Dear Dr. Stoll,
My problem is that the disc in my TMJ has moved out of place and i can only open my mouth 30 mm. I have been to 2 doctors so far and the last one said that since the disc was so out of place that this might (and will most likely) be a perminent problem.
So, my question is regarding the instrument that i play. I play the trumpet in my 3 of my high school bands and i have been told that playing it might be a factor in my TMJ situation. I was wondering if you knew if playing and instrument could cause this problem and if it would be best for me to play something else.
Thank you for your help. I hope to hear back from you soon.
Sincerely,
Erica Nahm
Follow Ups:
Re: TMJ Dissorder
Posted by Walt Stoll on November 25, 1998 at 09:22:24:
In Reply to: TMJ Dissorder posted by Erica Nahm on November 22, 1998 at 14:51:24:
Dear Erica,
This is one of the responses lost with our recent "gremlin attack". So, here goes again:
First, with this much damage, you may have to consider the insertion of a plastic disc. However, without getting rid of what caused this, even that surgical procedure will not work for long.
Use the archves for this BB & read everything you can find about TMJ & "bracing". Look on the home page as well.
THEN get started on practicing an effective skilled relaxation technique at least twice a day for 20 minutes. See the home page if you are not familiar as to how to do that.
Finally, your playing the musical instrument is doing you a lot more good than harm. I certainly would never recomend you stop that.
Once you have the above under your belt, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt