Pain or something else

[Spring]

Is pain causing it or something else
Jaw clenching

ChrisChris mentioned it in a post.
I also have the aweful jaw clenching. I wake up with my jaw so clenched shut that it hurts to open my mouth. I mentioned this to my doctor...and he had never heard of it with RSD. So know I am wondering is it from the RSD or is because of the pain being so bad. I have noticed this for about the last year or so. But it is getting really bad. So bad that when woke up I have to very slowly start to open my mouth...because my jaw hurts so bad. So with my RSD affecting my neck and lower face I just thought it was the RSD...but know with reading....could it be just that I hurt so bad....I am clenching my teeth together while I am sleeping. What do you all think and it may help us to know how is all dealing with this problem.

Thank you

[Still in Limbo]

I just saw an Ad on T.V. for an over the counter mouthpiece that is soft and conforms to your teeth to stop clenching at night. I'm sure while you sleep you are clenching because of the pain, I know I do and sometimes wake with a sore jaw. Maybe you might want to check the local Drug Store and check out this new mouthpiece. It may take enough pressure off of your lower jaw to stop the pain! I hope this helps and have a Great Day!!

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

Hummmmm, my opinion , maybe.

have you been to your Dentist lately? have they said you might be grinding your teeth at night, or even so catch yourself doing when your up. I ask, because I have learded some Anti-Depression Medications will cause that. if so, you can do as Limbo said, and it is so much more cheaper, or you can have the Dentist make one that will fit you perfect. I myself, would give the cheaper way a try first.

[WinggedEagle]

Excellent advise guys. I am a bad night grinder/clincher and have the OTC teeth guard. It not only helps with the jaw pain and stiffness it helps protect what is left of my teeth. If you don't do something to protect your teeth they will likely crack, break, chip, and not have any enamel left on them after yeah so long. The mouthpieces that are custom made at the dentists are VERY EXPENSIVE and the less expensive models work every bit as well.

Hope you are able to find one and give it a try. I ordered one from the Walter Drake catalogue/they also have a web site. It was very stiff and made my gums sore. The one I am using now is out of the teeth whitening kit that comes with the little blue light, bought the kit at Eckerd Drugs store for under $20.00. It is very flexible and soft so it dosen't hurt my gums/mouth the way the more ridgid one did. Go figure.

WE

[chrischris]

Hi Spring:   My jaw clenching started with the depression and anxiety.      When I told my doc about this,  he said he would put in a referral for me to see a dentist to have a mouth guard made.   I asked if I could just go see my regular family dentist and he said no.   Because the jaw clenching/teeth grinding/headaches are tied in with the stress injury, they would have to be treated by w/c.  If I/C denies the referral, then I am free to go to my own dentist for treatment.   In the meantime while waiting for IC approval/denial, I'm taking added meds to help relax my jaw during sleep.

As far as OTC mouth guards, they are good, but a dentist will make one customized to your mouth.

I also have read that medications can cause the jaw clenching and also increase the risk of cavities and cracked teeth.   Do you also get sores in your mouth, or does your tongue hurt?

If you do go to your own dentist, be sure he/she knows what meds you are taking and have him document if he thinks those meds, or your medical condition are causation for the teeth/jaw problems.     If you have a medical opinion that they are, then you should amend your workers comp claim to include "dental problems" as a compensable consequence to your original injury.

Spring,   I know what you are thinking about the RSD.   The thought has also crossed my mind and I only hope to God that RSD cannot spread to your mouth and gums.    It scares the he** out of me!

Hope you are feeling better soon.   Take care!

[Sithie]

Spring have you tried the magnesium? It helped me.

[capricorn]

Hi spring....as all have mentioned some meds will cause this. What I have noticed is that anxiety and stress will cause it with me. I have even not relalizing it clenched while awake. try warm moist compresses on your jaw. It always works for me. Feel better.


CAP

[Spring]

Thanks everyone. I never thought about a mouth guard. Will give one of those a try. I don't think I am grinding my teeth when I am sleeping...I asked my husband if I did and he said he has never heard me do it.

Sithie...I take alot of different vitamins and herbs. When the medications of nothing seemed to controlled my pain and all the symtomps that come with RSD my husband started really researching natural ways to try to help me. I can't even remember right know all what I am taking...but I asked him if I was taking magnesium..and he said yes. he also says the same as you..be careful with some vitamims because of the body may only break down and get certain use from certain forms of them. Alot of what is sold out in the market know adays does know good for you. Also some people think the more you take the better...not true. A lot of times you can really hurt your body or your body just gets rid of it...so waste of money. Sorry wasn't going to get on a vitamin soap opra. One more thing...make sure everyone your Dr. is aware of the vitamins and herbs you are taking. My Dr is fine with what I am taking. But I don't know about what all mixtures can do. so be cafeful.

Chris you were right when you mentioned you were having the same problem...it sure makes one wonder... Honestly I do think...I just get to hurting so badly...that my body is reactly in a way by clenching of the teeth. Because if there was something really wrong with my jaw or mouth I would have other signs wouldn't you think. I just hate this RSD. The unknown is so scary.

Thank again everyone...will try try the mouth guard...and then talk with my Dr again if just can't control it. Hope everyone is doing well.

[Sithie]

Spring, when the pain is really bad, I do gring my teeth and clench my jaw, even when awake. He gave me Adivan for that. I know I spelled that wrong lol.