I've just read through some of the posts/responses about possible links between TMJ pain and PsA. I'm very new to this site, but have already gained so much knowledge and support and am so very grateful!
I thought it was an odd "coincidence" that I starting experiencing pain in my TMJ at the same time as many other joints in my body were swelling and causing pain. I did the whole TMJD route: dentist, TMJ specialist/ortho, and then finally ended up with an oral surgeon (who I still very highly respect). By the time I landed at the oral surgeon's office, I knew something was up with my other joints and my rheumotologist was working on narrowing the field of potential diseases. We mentioned the potential autoimmune arthritis situation to the oral surgeon, but he didn't seem to think there was any connection. We mentioned the severe jaw and face pain to the rheumotologist, and he didn't seem to think there was any connection between that and my arthritis. Long story short, I had surgery on my right TMJ. The oral surgeon said I should feel "markedly better."
Four months later I do NOT feel markedly better. In fact, the jaw/facial pain is the same. What was "corrected" at surgery was a "refurbishing" of the joint, but I've learned that people can live pain free with a TMJ that looked like mine (cartilage out of place and bone spurs).
Now I'm wondering if the whole thing was/is related to my PsA. Actually, if it is, that would be the best news I've heard in years -- because, hopefully, when my rheumatologist starts me on a biologic the week after next it just might help the pain I'm feeling in my jaw.
Can anyone else relate to this story? Is this just wishful thinking? To me, it makes sense that my BODY is connected (including my head!), so why wouldn't a disease like PsA impact my jaw/neck/face?
I just got diagnosed with TMJ by my normal family doctor. I’m finishing methotrexate this week since it hasn’t helped with any of my problems. I start Humeria next week. Hope that helped with your connection
My question would be, if you have problems in a lot of the joints of your body, why would your TM joint be exempt? And there are tendons there too … and you know what this disease can do to tendons and their attachment points (and tendon problems don’t show on x-rays). Maybe my logic is all wonky, but it makes sense to me!
I had very bad Carpal Tunnel syndrome, and had one release done. Then I was diagnosed with PsA, but carpal tunnel isn’t big on the PsA list. Nevertheless, I decided to wait for the other release until my PsA was under control. And guess what? It’s not completely gone, but it’s certainly not bad enough for surgery. I would say, put off any decisions about your TMJ until your PsA is under control.
Seenie, I mentioned that very article to my rheumatologist at the same appointment where I tried to give him the MRI disc of my two TMJs. He didn’t want the MRI results and pretty much discounted the research. Collaboration between the medical professionals would be SO helpful to patients! Seeing us as whole people, not just separate parts.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Encouraging indeed!
I have also dealt with TMJ for last 5 years. The only relief for me has been massages. I found a massage therapist that works IN your mouth to release the muscle spasms from inside.It is not always comfortable, and it seems weird, bu it trulydid wonders for me. It helps if the massage therapist has also been trained in myofascial release. IDK if this would be helpful for you, but it gave me the ability to eat normal food again and to talk without pain. I had tried a TMJ specialist and a surgeon prior. That included mouth guards and sedation to "loosen and drain" the joint. These were really painful and didn't give me any relief. At this point, I just see her if any pain pops up. So right now, about every 3-6 months. Good luck to you. I hope you get some relief soon.
I developed terrible TMJ problems about 25 years ago after an anaesthesiologist dislocated the disc in one joint. I tried it all: PT, soft splints, hard splints, muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, acupuncture, osteopathy, arthroscopic surgery on both joints, an arthroplasty on one. None of it did much good, frankly.
My current rheumatologist thinks it all is a part of my PsA, even though it began a few years before I had any psoriasis.
Treatment, and co-ordination of treatment, is a nightmare. Since oral surgeons treat it, it gets written off as a dental problem. Insurance companies used to love this line of reasoning, but think there are laws to help keep them in line now. Oral surgeons went to dental school, not med school. They don't have a common base of knowledge with MDs. If you find one who knows much about inflammatory arthritis, consider it a fluke. Likewise, if you find an MD with much familiarity with TMJ problems, it's probably because he/she or a family member has had TMJ troubles.
You're absolutely right- it is all the same stuff: bones, tendons, ligaments, synovium.
Wow, Seenie. I just looked at the link you posted to an abstract. Sounds like me, except for the psoriasis coming after the TMJ problems. I can't open my mouth two fingers' width, and haven't been able to since 1988. Life is full of "what if?"s, isn't it?
I had a flare of TMJ pain that completely resolved when I started Enbrel. My dentist wanted me to sleep with splints, which helped, but the medication totally took care of the situation.
Fighter, I sure hope the Humira helps BOTH your TMJ and your PsA. Please keep me posted!
Fighter26 said:
I just got diagnosed with TMJ by my normal family doctor. I'm finishing methotrexate this week since it hasn't helped with any of my problems. I start Humeria next week. Hope that helped with your connection
Thanks for the reply, Smboc. I've heard others with TMJ problems who say that massage therapy works well for them. I've tried splints and muscle relaxers and pain relievers, and then finally surgery. I'm just hopeful that the biologic will finally help. So glad you can find some relief from your pain! Smboc said:
I have also dealt with TMJ for last 5 years. The only relief for me has been massages. I found a massage therapist that works IN your mouth to release the muscle spasms from inside.It is not always comfortable, and it seems weird, bu it trulydid wonders for me. It helps if the massage therapist has also been trained in myofascial release. IDK if this would be helpful for you, but it gave me the ability to eat normal food again and to talk without pain. I had tried a TMJ specialist and a surgeon prior. That included mouth guards and sedation to "loosen and drain" the joint. These were really painful and didn't give me any relief. At this point, I just see her if any pain pops up. So right now, about every 3-6 months. Good luck to you. I hope you get some relief soon.
lrcjvl, I'm planning to start Enbrel in less than two weeks. I'm going to remember your words until then: "the medication totally took care of the situation." Thanks for the hope:)
lrcjvl said:
I had a flare of TMJ pain that completely resolved when I started Enbrel. My dentist wanted me to sleep with splints, which helped, but the medication totally took care of the situation.