How do you deal with torturous TMJ? And could it be related to, or a sign of, other joint issues?

Question:

I have problems with my jaw cracking, popping and dislocating for almost 10 years. Ocassionally it gets sore or difficult to eat or swallow and will dislocate for no reason, but it relocates on its own. The past 4 days have been unbearable, the pain is radiating from my left jaw joint to behind my left eye and the whole way to the base of my neck on the left side. I can't chew, barely can talk and closing my eye is much more comfortable than seeing light. I've done some reading and discoverd that it can also cuase shoulder, neck, and upper back problems and ringing in the ears. My upper left back gets pain quite frequently that sends me to chiropractor, left ear has been buzzing and feeling tickly for months unexplainably (but no ringing), since i was 4 years old i have been able to dislocate my left shoulder at will. I'm now able to dislocate most of my joints and ALL give pain/stifness on occasion. Is it just double jointedness or a sign of a condition such as arthritis? I'm only 23

Answers:
I am not an expert, but I know of several people with symptoms as you have described. I would also have a few other things checked out, besides the TMJ:

1. Dental cracks in the teeth that may be exposing nerves whose pain travel to other areas of your head, such as your ears and wrap around your face and jaws. Migraines.

2. Orthopedic physician to check you for disc-related problems as well. Muscle spasms can also trigger nerve pain.

3. Whatever it is. Get several opinions from physicians who take your pain seriously. It's your health & it is only as good as your physician's experience.

Other Answers:
my mother has tmj and she has a mouth slit to keep her mouth align they are quite expensive though

Here's an ebook you can get that might be helpful

I have TMJ also.
Are you seeing a specialist for it? I'm seeing a neuromuscular dentist for mine. What steps are you taking to fix it? My ND took xrays before he began treating me to see if I could have other joint issues. TMJ can actually cause other joint issues, or be caused by them. I'm learning a lot more from tmjfriends.com, it might help you to visit them. I know what you mean by having pain and stiffness in the joints. When I move my shoulders, all my tendons snap. :D

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How do you deal with torturous TMJ? And could it be related to, or a sign of, other joint issues?

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