Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 9/15/2004

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi,

I suffer from a severe case of TMJ.  I am going to be going on a long road trip soon(which I am looking forward to) and am worried that sitting in a car for long periods of time will aggravate the condition, and interfere with my ability to enjoy myself on the trip.  Do you have any tips or advice on how to prevent/deal with this, so that it dosn't ruin this trip that I've been planning and saving for for so long.  I'd appreciate any help you could offer.  Thanks so much.
Answer -
Hello Lisa,


    If you have time before you leave, I would see a doctor of chiropractic and have the soft tissues (muscles etc.) around the jaw and inside the mouth worked on.  This will relieve the pressure that is exerted on the temporal mandibular joint.  Acupuncture may also help alleviate the pain too.

   If you have no time, you may simply massage the tender points lightly around the jaw.  Ice and heat may also help decrease the pain in the TMJ (5 minutes at a time).

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.

I have one more question. I hope you don't mind.  I have to go in to have several cavities fixed in a few weeks.  I have to be put to sleep to have them done, because they're are several, and I can not keep the mouth open for long periods of time without excruciating pain.  The dentist has booked six hours of O.R. time which is quite a long time!

I am really worried about this.  Of course, I know I will have to deal with a lot of pain and discomfort afterwards, but I'm wondering how this will affect the TMJ?  Is it possible for the jaw to lock permanently or something? I am very anxious about it.  I will call a chiropractor.  Perhaps he will be able to ailieviate the pain from the surgery as well?  Thanks so much.

Lisa

Answer
Hello Lisa,


    Yes, the dental work will aggravate the TMJ joint even if it was completely normal.  Six hours is a lot of time, so your musculature around the jaw will most likely be sore.
The will not lock permanently but you will experience more clicking in the joint (this is caused by the disc in the TMJ sliding forward).  Your right too, getting the muscles worked on after will definately help reduce the pain.

Have a great day!

Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.