Jaw Trouble

7worlds

Hi all, Having decided that after two years that i cant stand the pain in my jaw any longer, my doc has referred me for a pain relief injection. Having only had them in my finger joints, im wondering if it will be the same procedure and is it gonna hurt? Was wondering if any of u good people have had it done and is it sucessful?

Ta
7worlds.

Wonkylegs

HI,

I can't help you with the injections, but if you search the threads on the forum, many of the threads will use the term TMJ (the short form of the name of the jaw joint I understand) there are quite a few people on the forum who have various jaw problems.

WOnky

freesia

YES... I've had a couple of injections into my jaw (not through OA but after a car accident)... for pain management...

I certainly don't want to scare you, but it's not the most pleasant of experiences...
If I could give you just some tips / advice, take some pain medication BEFORE your appointment...AND, take someone with you for support... you probably won't feel anything like driving home afterwards....

The main difference between by knee & jaw injections is that with your knee (or other body areas) you can still be speaking or "swear" if the moment hurts....!!
However, when they inject into your jaw, you have to remain "very" still and obviously don't talk, as that area contains many nerve ending ect.... the first time they injected me they just missed "the spot" so they had to use an USS scan to view the area, and then they HIT....

I had to remain lying down on my side for half an hour or so... then get up slowly & take it very easy for a couple of days...

Everyone is different, but for me it did help for a couple of months, although initially it did feel quite weird, a little loose and squelchy....

I wish you GOOD LUCK, when are you going in....??

7worlds

Hi Freesia. I should be goin in the next few weeks. I feared it would,nt be pleasant but before i had learned to live with it.Now when i get up in the morning its like someone has punched me in the side of the face and its started to really get me down. Im normally a glass half full type of person so i dont like it getting the better of me lol. Im also getting an x-ray to see if it is TJD or arthritis.If you dont mind me asking, what made you get it done and also did you get any other treatment?

Ta
7worlds

Folara

I've not had mine done yet but have been offered it and am musing on the idea. I can't stand it when it gets completely stuck and I have to force it to open. It really hurts my ear as well.

Good luck with yours 7worlds.

Fols x

7worlds

Hi Folara, I think ive just got to the point that i,ll try anything. Its making everything else twice as hard to deal with. Ihave been moaning about it WAY too much lately. Feel sorry for my poor husband lol. Freesia has given me some good advice, so i,ll post how it goes.

Ta

7worlds

barbara12

Hi 7worlds
Sorry I ant offer much help, but with freesia saying the injection isnt very nice, I had to have 3 into my spine a couple of years ago, and I am no wimp, but boy did they hurt, I have just had them in my hips but I was asleep for them because they wanted to put a camera in, anyhow the point is I was telling a nurse about my back, and she said if you have them again tell them you want a sedative before hand, she said they always offered it, but found out its is quicker to get people injected with out.
I do wish you well with it, and hope you get some relief xx

magenta

Hiya,

I've had 4 injections into my jaw-last year. I've got OA in both sides so have had 2 in each joint. I was getting an arthrocentesis done at the same time and I got a general anaesthetic so was out of it.

It's painful I'm afraid but after a few weeks it kicks in. It's helped me for a few months each time. You have to get it done, even if it's to find out that it doesn't work.

I wish you well and hope it goes smoothly for you,

Magenta x

freesia

7worlds wrote:

Hi Freesia. I should be goin in the next few weeks. I feared it would,nt be pleasant but before i had learned to live with it.Now when i get up in the morning its like someone has punched me in the side of the face and its started to really get me down. Im normally a glass half full type of person so i dont like it getting the better of me lol. Im also getting an x-ray to see if it is TJD or arthritis.If you dont mind me asking, what made you get it done and also did you get any other treatment?

Ta
7worlds

Well I was in a car accident, I was a passenger in the back seat and a rear collision, and smacked the side of my face against the front seat headrest.... I also had whiplash and backpain... but the TMJ was the worst for me...
I took pain medication but it just didn't seem to help the jaw pain, but only the neck & back...
Hence the reason for having the jaw injections, as I said they weren't pleasant but they did help.... (I would say GRIN & BARE IT, but that sounds like a JOKE.... and it's not funny...)
It's DEFINATELY worth considering....

On my last visit to see the maxilliofacial specialist before the injections (he was a new consultant) he suggested I try applying a small amount of ibroprofen gel around the jaw area & hairline..... this did help with the pain a little too.... Obviously patch test first and don't use over the rest of face or near eyes...

Wishing you all the very best...x

7worlds

Thanks for the advice, everyone. It would be easy to chicken out, but i know i have to give it a try. Hopefully it wont be TOO bad. Will defo ask for a sedative. Iknow there are people on here who have had to suffer a lot worse, but i think its because its my face. Am gonna imagine myself tucking into a nice big juicy steak!!!


7worlds

catrocks1982

Hi I have severe tmj and osteoarthritis in my jaw joint, i have had 2 injections into the joint, it doesnt hurt as the give you a local anesthetic into the joint first. I would say after a couple of hours it does get sore but its only for a couple of days.

Unfortunetly it didnt work for me, i only got a few days relief. I have also had 2 arthrocentisis aswell to no avail. I think it depends on how bad your jaw is and only the ct or mri will show the full extent.

My jaw is far to gone for anything other than full jaw replacement, as the whole cartlidge/joint has completely crumbled away so i have bone to bone when i open my mouth.

Certainly give the injection a try anything that gives a bit of pain relief and movement is helpful

Dont be afraid try and relax as much as possible take care

Catx

7worlds

Thanks for the advice, Cat. I know how bad the pain has been for me, so it must be absolutely horrendous for you. Would you ever consider having a jaw replacement done, or is that a step too far? I didnt even realise there was such a thing and there i am being a bit of a scaredy cat over a few injections!! Your experience will help me keep things in perspective.

Ta

7worlds

catrocks1982

You are very welcome any help i can give helps me have strength.

To be honest this is the next step for me, however its like having a knee/hip replacement it doesnt last forever and there's a good chance i could end up with nerve damage, which could leave me looking like i have had a stroke :idea:

Its a very big decision i have to make, and i have also been told i am too young for surgery :oops:
At the moment the pain is so bad that even when i try an yawn ( i have adapted my yawn lol) its like it touching nerve as i jump and groan everytime totally uncontrolably, my bf really gets upset seeing me like this.

You will know what i mean when i say the pain is so bad u dont wana open your mouth to eat, hense me losing over 3st.

How is your eating at the moment?
If the injections work i will be so pleased for you at least to ease pain

Catxx

pinkbritishstars

(((7worlds))) hope it goes well and that you are reasonably pain free.

xxx