So Sunday afternoon I noticed a pain on the left side of my jaw. Initially I thought it was a dental issue. But after much poking & prodding on my teeth and gums, I think I ruled that out. The pain continued to increase throughout the evening. I realized it was localized in my left TMJ joint...very tender! By the time Monday morning came around the pain was quite intense!! You would think a fractured finger and back issues would be enough for me but apparently not. Man, I'm getting old.
After much research on the Internet, it seems that most people get this from clenching & grinding their teeth. Now I've done this before, and the pain was in my teeth...not my TMJ joint. Others just get it while they are eating. Of course I hadn't eaten in hours when I began to notice the pain.
Long story short...I have this intense pain that inhibits me from chewing or opening my mouth very wide (like yawning). I had it adjusted at the chiropractor yesterday, but that didn't seem to help much. Medication doesn't even seem to touch the pain, but that's just as well. I'm not a big meds taker. So I've resorted to jaw exercises specifically for this problem. They help while I'm doing them at least. Let's hope they have a lasting effect!
On the flip side, my finger seems to be healing nicely. Another week or two of taping, and it should be ready for the beach!! Let's just hope my jaw is!!
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