I first reported symtoms of tmj march of 97. The oral surgon placed me in a mouth splint and ordered a MRI. Following are the results of the MRI: "DEGENERATIVE SPURRUNG RIGHT MANDIBULAR CONDYLE WITH NONREDUCING ANTERIOR DILOCATION OF THE MENISCUS. LEFT TMJ JOINT HAS SIMILAR FINDINGS WITH ANTERIOR DISLOCATED AND NONREDUCING MENISCUS. THIS IS LESS WELL DEFINED AS COMPARED TO THE CONTRALATERAL SIDE AND MAY REPRESENT SOME MILD FRAGMENTATION OF THE MENISCUS."
After no-little progress he ordered surgery; I was all for that as the pain has become an everyday ordeal. However when Doc presented me with a disclaimer of all that surgery for this disorder can/can't do I sought a second opinion. I received physical therapy for 6 weeks and still no go. I hurt daily, sometimes a consistent dull pain, sometimes a throbbing jaw and ear pain. The oral surgeon I am attending now has stated he doesn't know what else to do at this point but surgery. He admits he is very skeptical of the surgery but is at a loss, as I am. I must say I trust him more than the previous--at least he has been honest about his lack of knowledge and told me from the start surgery for this type of tmj is usually not a longterm success.
Do you have suggestions? My husband suggested accupuncture.
Please help. pam
Follow Ups:
Re: tmj
Posted by David Ferguson, D.C. on February 15, 1999 at 13:33:22:
In Reply to: tmj posted by pam on February 15, 1999 at 11:05:40:
I have seen quite a few TMJ disorder patients, two of which were looking to have surgery, and all of them were able be become nearly symptom free within two weeks when the dysfunction in their necks was corrected. I would try chiropractic before even discussing surgery.
Re: tmj
Posted by Walt Stoll on February 16, 1999 at 11:55:09:
In Reply to: tmj posted by pam on February 15, 1999 at 11:05:40:
Dear Pam,
Listen to Doc Dave. Also, the causes of TMJ have been discussed MANY times on this BB for years. Please help me avoid typing by looking at the archives.
Walt