GCA Jaw Question

[Sandmason]

I don't have GCA but am trying to be vigilant. My left jaw suddenly has like TMJ, never before, hard to chew anything, painful, but it also pops, which doesn't seem to be part of GCA jaw symptoms. Tell me it isn't in the ballpark of GCA symptoms?

Funny that my right jaw acted up suddenly last summer, a new thing, that turned out to be the parotid gland. It swelled up and was eased by a swish of vinegar. At the time I thought it might be Sjogren's but nobody gets that on 10mg prednisone and 200 Plaquenil. My sister has it.

[HeronNS]

I agree this doesn't sound like a typical GCA symptom. Others with GCA experience should be along.

Can you get seen by a dentist fairly promptly - assuming you don't develop other more GCA-like symptoms in the meantime?

If you think it's an infection you really ought to get to a doctor sooner rather than later. Anything making it painful to eat should be checked out even if it seems to ease by itself. Also, if you, like it seems most people, have had a bout with that viral plague no one wants to mention anymore, please be aware that it stays in the body for a prolonged time, possibly indefinitely, and can cause problems in nearly any body part. Hopefully this is not the case for you and you've escaped so far. 🍀

[Sandmason in reply to HeronNS]

We had the mild "cold" a month ago, granddaughter brought it home. She tested +, we didnt bother.

[SnazzyD]

Popping isn’t normally part of the GCA classics list. That aspect sounds more mechanical. Can you get a dentist to assess your jaw joint?

[Sandmason in reply to SnazzyD]

I hope so but getting worked up for diverticulitis, colitis or colon cancer now, it's been a rough 2 weeks! Nothing on my lists has been getting done.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Being on pred and Plaquenil won't stop the development of Sjoegrens - or the similar sicca syndrome which has much the same symptoms but no antibodies. That is another autoimmune disorder.

GCA jaw pain is only when using your jaw, a cramping, tired, pain that develops after a couple of minutes chewing and stops when you stop chewing. That doesn't sound like what you are describing?

I had a sudden sharp popping sensation in my left jaw joint a few days ago - didn't last long though!! Must be the time of year ...

[Sandmason in reply to PMRpro]

I've basically eaten nothing in two weeks, clear liquids, and this is out of the blue. Dentist as soon as I can function. I think maybe the last implant crown he put on might have been a tiny bit too high. If it aint one thing it's another!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sandmason]

Suppose it might be a bit difficult to know if you had claudication with that sort of diet! And it does feel scary when the workup is covering the red flag symptoms like that doesn't it.

I think the dentist does need to be an early port of call - working out if that crown isn't quite right will be quick enough. It is amazing how much the thickness of a bit of paper extra on a tooth can upset the jaw ...

[Paulagcl]

It is hard not to feel anxious when we get what we think is a symptom. I'd say ask your dr.

[Angelsmummy]

Best see Dr, don’t think GCA,my jaw pain was when eating,chewing was painful ,and tiresome,gave up on eating anything solid in the end,hence 2 stone weight loss!But better see somebody if you are worried,better safe than sorry eh?Good luck.xx😜🎄

[Frewen1]

hi Sandmason, I do have GCA but have never had much jaw problem - just occasionally an ache, predictably on chewing. Agree with others that the “popping” could be investigated for other causes. Good luck

[JcDc527980]

I have GCA and one of the first symptoms was jaw ache just on one side I would definitely check it out with your GP hopefully it’s nothing but it’s worth making an appointment

[Pr0jection]

One of my back crowns fell off while I was chewing on a prune. I thought a stone had been left in the prune, so once I realised it was my crown I whipped it out of the bin! I took it to the dentist who said she couldn't glue it back on as the remaining tooth underneath had sheared off. She said I should have an extraction but I persuaded her to fill it with resin. However, the whole thing was lower than my original crown. It was OK for about a week and then I started to experience pain in my upper jaw and eventually down one side of my head and face. Chewing became painful. I really thought I was heading towards GCA. Two days ago I put myself on 500mg amoxicillan and it's eased a lot. I have suffered from TMJ in the past and was told that the popping is usually associated with this. Sorry for the ramble but sometimes it's difficult to work out what the real problem is. I think a dentist is the first port of call for you though......

[LIVEORDIEHEREIAM]

You ARE aware of the easy test for GCA, right? Chew gum at a slower rate for two minutes. If the pain worsens a lot but then goes away quickly when you stop chewing, it is leaning towards telling you that it is GCA.

[PMR6498]

I’m taking Pred for PMR, no GCA. I have left jaw pain that appeared a couple of weeks ago. I also speculated if it was linked to GCA but both my PCP and Rhuemy thought not. They think it is TMJ. I’m in the US. My dentist was able to see me quickly and did a “cone beam CT capture and interpretation “. Basically a 3d model of both jaw hinge joints. My right jaw was normal. My left jaw was bone on bone, no cartilage. Like a knee or hip, your jaw hinge joint can wear out. I’m 71. Dentist recommended Advil ( can’t take it when taking Pred) rest and wait and see if pain goes away. Surgery is last resort if pain is severe.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Sandmason in reply to PMR6498]

Thanks, dentist soon. Just never had a single jaw symptom in my life so I'll be mad if its bone on bone already.