TMJ

Ashesha13

I've had since I got my braces off and wisdom teeth pulled. I also have a problem clenching my jaw which can also be a cause. It's a problem with my jaw and it has seemed a lot worse lately and I didn't really think to equate it with the pregnancy. Well apparently pregnancy can induce it or if you already have it make it worse. Not only is it the jaw pain but also headaches and neck pain. Guess its time to start using my night guard again. Going to try and stay away frm Tylenol as long as I can. Not sure there's much else I can do, physical therapy but that involves all doctor visitsad referrals from 3 different people. Ugh. Sorry kind of a vent. 

 

Anyone else deal with TMJ or anything else aggravated by pregnancy? 

kateisgreat

My TMJ has been killing me lately. It has always fluctuated, so I didn't think anything of it, but that makes sense if it's pregnancy related. Tylenol does nothing for me, so I'm not even going to bother. I'm clench my teeth too, and I grind my teeth in my sleep. Does the night guard really help? I have considered getting one.

Ashesha13

It does but for me not immediately, I have to wear it continuously for a few days and then it doesn't fully take the pain away though I was told that was unlikely to happen anyway. Without it, it's a constant pain from the time I get up, can't yawn or eat anything tough without pain headaches, and if its really bad earaches. With the guard I get through like half the day with no pain  and don't have so much pain at night and no headaches or earaches. It also prevents the severity of clenching. It will protect your teeth from grinding, you can still clench but not all the way which allows the joint to relax and the inflammation inbetween to subside, or in my case move back where it should be. My doc also recommended me to wear it not just at night but anytime I can identify triggers for clenching. For e that's almost always so I usually do only wear it at night.

neylonas

MY TMJ disorder has returned with a vengeance during pregnancy!  I have it pretty bad and have had surgery in the past to try to relieve some of the pain.  I started wearing my night guard again and taking yoga for relaxation which have both helped.  Another temporary relief is massaging the area starting with the top of the jaw bone to relieve some of the pressure.  I would say night guards are the way to go!!

Cosmic+Love

I have TMJ, but haven't noticed a difference with the pregnancy. When I go through "flare up" stages, the night guard really does help me. I've never used Tylenol, etc. to help treat it. If you can't get to your dentist for a proper guard, you can at least get a thin one at a sports store.

I also try to eat softer foods/nothing too chewy. Massaging my jawline, cheekbones, and temples helps also. Sorry you're going through this.

kjalejos

I also have TMJ, but it has not been bothering me these last couple months. That is b/c it got so bad last year that I dislocated my jaw. It was THE WORST thing that has ever happened and it was nothing compared to the regular TMJ pain. Since then, I have seen a physical therapist to strengthen my neck and upper back muscles to make sure my head, neck, and back is more aligned. It has worked tremendously and I highly suggest it to everyone with TMJ issues. 

AlexKate45

I have TMJ. I've actually found the opposite and while pregnant it is at its best. It even stayed away while BFing my son. I've heard that hormones play a role, so it makes sense that it could either be better or worse during pregnancy.

Prior to getting pregnant I tried acupuncture for it for about 3 months. I'd never done acupuncture but I didn't want to be dependent on medications for it when TTC. Anyway, the acupuncture was so helpful! I was admittedly skeptical and was pleasantly surprised. I also used massage to help with the muscular pain/tightness. So maybe look into those options. I would think both would be safe during pregnancy (but obvi discuss with the practitioner).

LilyGirl4

I was so glad to see this post and see I'm not the only one. I've had clenching grinding issues for years and my cracking jaw is worse than ever! Have your mouth guards helping your cracking/clicking jaws or just with the pain?

kmr333

It's not an immediate solution, but what works for me is to really try and be aware of the clenching and try not to do it.

CharmedBAcMF

My TMJ is a lot worse. =(  I'm so sad. I have to stay away from chewy foods a lot more than I used to.  I love steak and between the TMJ and the not being able to have it medium rare, I'm going nuts.

fritz799

This just happened to me today.  

I wear a night guard, and I haven't had any significant jaw problems since I got it--about three years ago.

I've noticed my jaw getting a little tighter every day for about the past week.  I sing, and I've just noticed a lot more tension lately.  Wednesday night, it almost locked when I was yawning. Today, I woke up and it was hurting more than usual.  Then I got rearended (very very minor) on the way to work this morning.  Awesome.

Now it hurts like a mofo.

I called to see if I could use Naproxen--Nope.  I'm using ice and heat for now.  I'm considering getting a massage for it and maybe going for acupuncture if it doesn't get better.

OUCH. 

Lilmrslay

I suffer fom TN and I was really worried that I would have lare ups with this pregnancy. 

My last pregnancy I got it quite bad for a few weeks and the only thing that works to soothe it is anti-epilepsy drugs hat I can't take while pregnant.

Hoping it stays away like it has thus far. It's total hell and I can't imagine trying to cope for too long without meds.