Expert: Susan Tannenbam - 12/27/2006

Question
Thank you for the info.  The doctor my daughter goes to has prescribed most of what you mentioned.  She has a mouth appliance which she wears most of the time including while asleep but fits on the top.  They are in the process of making a bottom appliance.  She has tried the same medications you mentioned and the rub on gel.  She will be having a new MRI to see if she has torn a hole in something and to see where the displaced disc is now.  Thanks you again-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
My daughter has severe TMJ with disc displacement.  The only dr. we could find that was familiar with TMJ as bad as she has it is two hours away.  We see him every other week and like him but am looking to see if someone else in our area can give us another opinion.  She is locked in the closed position most of the time with headaches, jaw and ear pain constantly.  I feel horrible for her, she is only 15 and I need to look further into local help.  Any information or doctors names would be greatly appreciated.
-----Answer-----
Where do you live?  I use Dr. Barry Rozenberg, of NY 212-791-4000.  He's the TMJ head of the NYU School of Dentistry TMJ Dept.  
He gave me a comfortable nightguard which is a must for TMJ.  It fits on the bottom but doesn't cover the front teeth so it's very comfortable - it is hard - don't use the soft - they are no good.  I assume your daughter has a nightguard.
WHen my pain was very bad I used the Alpha-Stim 100.  I think they have a website  www.alpha-stim.com.  Only get the "100", not the other one.  It is expensive but I feel it was worth it, as it did wonders for the pain!  You need any doctor's Rx to order it which should not be a problem.
Acupuncture has also been very good for me.  I had to try a couple before I found one that was good - it is also worth a try.
Muscle relaxants like flexerall (spelling?) and a drug called klonopin, are excellent for short term use.
NEVER use advil type pain relievers - there was a study done several years ago which showed that long term use of Advil actually makes pain worse!!! When I stopped it, I started getting better!  The brain apparantly stops "knowing" how to deal with pain when too much of this drug is taken.  I think drugs like tylenol would fall under this category also.
My dentist gave me TMJ gel which deadens the pain.  It is applied right on the skin.  There are TMJ pads like this also, which your dentist or doctor can prescribe.
THe best physical therapy treatment I received was ultrasound.  It was very effeftive in breaking the pain cycle.  Any phyical therapist can do this for your daughter.
I used a PT in New Hyde Park, NY - Dina Delgado.  her number is 516 775 9144.
Hope this helps.


Answer
Thank you for replying back to me!  It sounds like you are in good hands with that doctor.  It must be difficult to see your daughter have this condition but I just want to assure you that she WILL get better.  I had a  really horrible case of it, and now I've been fine for many years.  It takes a little time, but this condition is always resolved.  Good luck and email me anytime.
Susan