Homestead mailing list

["Lynda" <lurine AT com-pair.net>]

Many long years ago I worked for a real a**hole!  The stress level was 
tremendous and I ended up with this shooting pain in my jaw and up through 
my ear and screaming headaches.  Went to the doc who sent me to a dentist. 
Had to get an o.k. from the insurance for halo x-rays.  He got the results 
back and pronounced it TMJ.  He started a sentence with oral surgeon and I 
said stop.  Told the dentist that I don't do surgery (allergic to general 
anesthesia) and needed something to get rid of the pain that wasn't surgery 
or pills.  I hate pills.  So, he said fine.  Quit your job.  Stress is the 
main cause of TMJ.  People grind their teeth or clinch their teeth and it 
throws everything out.  He also asked if I chewed gum.  He said quit chewing 
gum.  Then he taught me how to hold my jaw in correct alignment.  Haven't 
had a problem since.

So, I'm thinking that with all the health stuff going on you are probably 
doing a lot of jaw clinching.  Generally, if you rotate your lower jaw 
forward (stick your chin out sort of ), being sure it is straight (use the 
mirror if you need to) and keep the tip of your tongue between your front 
teeth, you'll stop clinching your teeth and your jaw will gradually slide 
itself back where it belongs and you won't need to pop it.

Lynda, TMJ painfree for almost 20 years

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "EarthNSky" <erthnsky AT bellsouth.net>
> snip
 I have TMJ, but it rarely gives me
> trouble.  For the last 3 weeks, I haven't been able to chew well, and
> I've lost about 10 pounds now.  The last time it flared up was about 5
> years ago, and that only lasted a day or two.  I was taught, once, how
> to put my jaw back, but I've forgotten the technique and that's not
> something I want to try without someone to guide me on popping it back
> right.  I would love alternatives for things like TMJ...