Migraines

[lilychemgirl]

Yay, I've read through your various threads about migraines (but have no advice so haven't commented) but I am so glad to hear that you're finding some relief It seems like so many people on these boards suffer from chronic pain of some sort or another, maybe it is something about it that makes us all so into the pretty sparkley dirt?

[superwahz]

Xarata- I swear we sound like TMJD twins! Not fun. I hope you're getting some relief.

Christine- I'm so glad you finally got diagnosed!! The mouth piece/splint I got custom made was worth every penny and I'd pay it again happily. (it's nothing like the orthotics people try to sell you, these things actually work and are crucial to custom fit!) Took me 2 years to grind all the way through it... I had to stop eating things like whole apples, pears, sandwiches, raw carrots, etc.. Everything gets cut or squished into bite sized pieces. I had to stop tearing open ketchup packages with my teeth, chewing gum, crunching ice, eating chips, and learn to put my hand beneath my jaw when I yawn to prevent yawning too wide and locking out my jaw...oh, and stop leaning my head on my hand when reading. But the neck/ear/face pain, numbness in my hand, and headaches all improved immensely with treatment from a TMJ specialist, so I really hope your headaches continue to improve!

Unfortunately, the last splint I had made for my mouth is a different type and doesn't seem as effective as the last one. It's supposed to modify the bite so the teeth can't touch to grind but I'm really not convinced it's doing anything but making me clench more! So my symptoms are coming back...plus, in the last year I've started getting different migraines that are flaring along the trigeminal nerve. The pain is excruciating, it even hurts to brush the roof of my mouth with my tongue when it starts. This thread reminded me I need to hunt down a specialist in my area and see if it's my jaw causing it.

[ChristineLynnP]

I finally got the bottom half of my night guard Friday and have to say I'm loving it. The only thing I notice is that when I wake up throughout the night I find I'm biting and grinding on it, when I've always stopped biting and grinding when I woke up in the past. So I don't know if it makes me grind more, or if it just makes it easier to hold position with it, if that makes any sense. But at any rate, I've definitely noticed that despite this, there's no pressure or pain associated with the grinding and clenching any longer. I haven't had a headache since Friday, meaning it's either a huge coincidence (doubtful since I've NEVER gone so long without a headache in memorable history) or even just having half a night guard is a huge help. I get my crown done a week from tomorrow, and I don't know if they'll fit me for the top half then or make me come back for it, so chances are I have at least a month to go before I have a full mouth guard set. I'm interested in seeing if it really makes a bigger difference or not. And the best part about it is that my dental insurance covers this 100% without so much as a co-pay!

[zooeyblue]

Yay! I hope you continue to do well! I know you have really battled these beasties. I have migraines, too, and I literally feel your pain.