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May 2016 Moms
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TMJ and pregnancy

erinlee+1erinlee+1 member
in May 2016 Moms
Hi
Very random but does or has anyone experienced TMJ with pregnancy? i was diagnosed with it over a month ago for the first time ever.. Seems to be worse when I stressed.. I can only take panadole as I'm pregnant.. Looking to see if anyone else had it and what their pain relief is or was..
Xxx
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Re: TMJ and pregnancy

  • Jenly17Jenly17 member
    I was never formally diagnosed with TMJ but I definitely have jaw problems. My jaw pops and also locks occasionally. I also grind my teeth pretty badly at night which exacerbates the pain. It started when I was wedding planning about 4 years ago (high stress). It's no surprise it's back now and comes back with every stressful event in my life. I don't take any prescription medication but I do use my mouth guard and Tylenol. I have no tips or tricks, but I am commiserating with you!
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  • kbrands7kbrands7 member
    I have been diagnosed with it-- it's intermittent for me, and usually contributes to my migraines. I don't take medication for it, but I have a mouth guard I use sometimes over night to stop me from clamping down my jaw when stressed. I also do massages/muscle releases.

    The massage that helps most is raking the outside of the face vertically from the temple/cheekbones down past the jawline.

    The release technique I use relies on muscle resistance and really helps, though sounds weird. You open your mouth slightly and place your hand over your bottom teeth. Push down on your teeth with your gand and bite up with with your jaw at the same time. Don't resist so hard that it hurts--you should just feel resistance. Hold for five seconds. release. Widen your jaw a little and repeat. Keep widening and repeating until your mouth is as wide as it can go.
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  • gorgeousarielgorgeousariel member
    I have TMJ problems and a  night guard that doesn't fit perfectly anymore. I don't take any medications for it though, just tylenol when needed. But when I was going to a chiropractor she would adjust my jaw and that definitely helped so much that I stopped wearing my night guard.  That's why it doesn't really fit anymore. If you see a chiro I would ask if there is anything they can do to help. 
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  • pelicanesquepelicanesque member
    Definitely see a chiro or physical therapist! That way you can try to get relief without medication.
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  • LockerManLockerMan member
    Try to change up your "snacking" routine (yogurt, cheese for example is easier) and definitely don't chew gum... Like ever. My TMJ is very painful to the point my jaw locks shut and I can barely open it at times. Try to relax the jaw as much as possible, drinking hot beverages does help and like these lovely ladies have said Tylenol works from time to time.
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  • araecaseyaraecasey member
    Yep! I have TMJ that gets worse with pregnancy. For me, the relaxin hits me hard right off the bat. Extra strength Tylenol is my friend.
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  • ckmilamckmilam member
    I have it too - getting re-inflamed with pregnancy. Best help I've gotten is seeing a chiropractor! Went about 4 times over 2-3 months and got my jaw to a good place (after years of pain). Checked in every other month for a little while after that. No problems again til now. I'm gonna see him again to re-adjust.
    Also, I got a side sleeper pillow on Amazon that has been supportive of my jaw while sleeping - it helps! Worth the cost.
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  • jaquallsjaqualls member
    Yes I do, and oddly I found that the Baltic amber necklaces work for me. They work by releasing their oil which is an anti inflammatory. It worked wonders for me, though like any medication it works differently for everyone
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  • helleebelleehelleebellee member
    Mine has been terrible, lately! I never thought to use the amber necklaces for it. I think I'm going to have to get one.  Thank your for the suggestion.  
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  • SoEnamoredSoEnamored member

    Visiting from June 2016 - to see what's ahead of me.  :) 

    I have had TMJ for years.  My jaw is totally out of alignment and the pad between the jaw hinge is slipped forward.  I don't know why or how it helped but I've done a few rounds of acupuncture in my jaw and it's done wonders.  It's sustained me for the past few years.

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  • and_peggyand_peggy member
    I've had TMJ my whole life. I had it under control but for the entire first trimester it was acting up. I had to be very conscious of what type of food I was eating, and how I was chewing. I wear a nightguard since I grind my teeth, so maybe check with your dentist to see if they could get you one formed to your teeth. Hope you get some relief!
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