jaw pain

[Gaycreasey]

A few weeks ago I noticed that I couldn’t open my mouth as wide as I normally could without pain on the left side. Also, if I yawn and forget not to open it too wide I get a horrible pain and twisted feeling in my neck and throat. I went to the doctor’s surgery this week and saw a senior health practitioner (?). She told me to try Voltarol twice a day. I have done this for a few days and it has made no difference. I do not think this is the beginning of GCA but I wondered if anyone has any advice.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It sounds more like TMJ/TMD issue - but does it hurt when you eat and then stop when you stop chewing ? If not then unlikely to be GCA -but you could try this to put your mind at rest -

sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/...

Have look at this -

nhs.uk/conditions/temporoma...

And maybe trying getting a dental appointment..

[Gaycreasey in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi Dorset Lady. Thanks for your reply. It doesn’t hurt to eat or chew but it’s very painful if I yawn full tilt! It hurts in my neck and throat and feels as if something is twisted. What is TMJ?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Gaycreasey]

Temporomandibular Joint . Bit more info here -

webmd.com/oral-health/tempo...

[SnazzyD]

I would see a dentist if it seems to be centred around the joint not working properly or being impeded by some process going on.

[Gaycreasey in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi Snazzy. Thanks for your reply. I did see a dentist when it wasn’t so bad. He did a quick check on my teeth and found nothing wrong. I might go back and have another chat to him. The Voltarol certainly isn’t making a difference.

[SnazzyD in reply to Gaycreasey]

Did they do an x ray of the teeth and feel the workings of the jaw hinge when it is in action?

[Gaycreasey in reply to SnazzyD]

No - none of that!

[SnazzyD in reply to Gaycreasey]

Might be worth pursuing then. They can only tell so much from just peering into the hole.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'd have thought a TMJ problem too

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

but what dose of Voltarol?

[Gaycreasey in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro. Thanks for your reply. The person I saw prescribed Voltarol twice a day. It’s max strength pain relief but doesn’t help.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gaycreasey]

I know, you said that, I was asking the actual figures.

[Gaycreasey in reply to PMRpro]

It says 30g Diclofenac diethylammonium gel 2.32%. I’ll let you translate that!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gaycreasey]

So it is the gel not tablets? I'd be sceptical it would do much anyway!! Especially if it is a TMJ problem.

[Gaycreasey in reply to PMRpro]

My thoughts exactly.

[Grammy80]

I worked for an orthodontist for many years when I was younger....and it sure sounds like TMJ. Especially, if you still have the ability to chew. I'm simply agreeing with advice you have received and would try to consult with a dentist. They can make appliances to relieve that pain; usually worn at night. My best to you💞

[Gaycreasey in reply to Grammy80]

Thanks Grammy80. What causes a TMJ? I will go and see my dentist again.

[SnazzyD in reply to Gaycreasey]

Mine most likely occurred due to muscle wasting from Pred and a lifelong slightly wonky bite that up to then hadn’t been an issue. I also set my jaw and tense it sometimes and I suspect I grit my teeth at night. All those little things added up. It went as my muscles got better and we stopped just short of having a teeth guard. Everyone’s situation is different though so the measures vary.

[Grammy80]

Sometimes the specific cause can be determined upon a professional exam...it can be improper bite, grinding your teeth, clenching the jaw over the years, arthritis...an x-ray should tell him. Can you be referred to an orthodontist? They can make appliances to help; again depending on the cause. Please let me know. I know it is painful but it beats GCA jaw claudication~! 💞

[Karil]

I started having upper jaw pain last October, saw dentist in November, had hospital X-ray in December which was clear regarding teeth or bone problems (I’ve had cancer 3 times so bone cancer was a worry), dentist suggested I consult GP. GP sent me to hospital emergency day care as was worried about GCA, had CT scan which showed enlarged arteries, along with high ESR and CRP readings I was diagnosed with GCA. Had biopsy on temporal artery which came back negative and was put on 60mg dose of prednisone. GCA has since been ruled out and TMJ diagnosed for which I take Amitriptyline. Dentist says likely cause is teeth grinding whilst sleeping and the fact that I have few teeth on left side of mouth due to an accident when young so chewing is one sided. I take paracetamol for pain as don’t tolerate anything stronger if I want to be alert. Not sure if this helps you but I was pleased to finally have a diagnosis I could understand and manage.

[Gaycreasey in reply to Karil]

Thanks Karil. It’s a relief to finally get a diagnosis isn’t it. Having talked to everyone on here the jaw does seem to be less stiff and not so painful. Amazing!! Such healers!!

Thanks to everyone who replied it was all very helpful.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Gaycreasey]

Very often the way it works… 😊