• Welcome to Phoenix Rising!

    Created in 2008, Phoenix Rising is the largest and oldest forum dedicated to furthering the understanding of and finding treatments for complex chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), long COVID, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and allied diseases.

    To become a member, simply click the Register button at the top right.

My right jaw muscle

HABS93

Senior Member
Messages
485
This has been happening for over a year. My jaw muscle pops in and out. Sometimes when I'm chewing it pops in and out quick it feels not so good. Not painful but like that shouldn't happen. This isn't related to my CFS but I know MDMA caused this problem. Sometimes it gets stuck when I wake up from sleeping and it's quite worrisome. Have no idea how to fix this
 

ryan31337

Senior Member
Messages
664
Location
South East, England
Damn. Surgery is probably only way to fix it. My CFS probably doesn't react well to surgeries -_-
Assuming it is TMJ disorder, the maxillofacial specialist I saw said surgery is very low down on his preferred treatment options and to be avoided where possible.

In my case it gets a lot better with a bite raiser appliance worn at night, I clench/grind teeth in my sleep, so the appliance gives the TMJ a chance to relax. Mine had progressed from painful clicking to complete locking for weeks at a time, but still recovered very well with the bite raiser.
 

gbells

Improved ME from 2 to 6
Messages
1,491
Location
Alexandria, VA USA
I wouldn't assume anything about it until you talk to a good dentist. If cost if a problem look for dental schools who have reduced rates. Also, Physicians Mutual has a good dental plan. That's what I use.

Anyone on low income can take advantage of Medicaid which covers dental.
 

Rufous McKinney

Senior Member
Messages
13,251
I've experienced episodes of jaw problems...I woke up with almost lockjaw when I took Zoloft. Stopped immediately. I get acupuncture treatments which help. Alot of lymph, tendons concentrated in this area..., and my jaw popped horribly one nite....was very painful. In my case it appears to be inflammatory, and NOT so much about teeth grinding and clenching.
 

Wayne

Senior Member
Messages
4,300
Location
Ashland, Oregon
Have no idea how to fix this

@HABS93 -- I've used diluted DMSO combined with magnesium oil and applied it topically to problematic muscles similar to what you describe. I've also used self-acupuncture, inserting the needles at the focal point of discomfort. Both of these therapies have been very helpful. -- I hope you can find something that works really wel for you!
 

Jyoti

Senior Member
Messages
3,373
Lots of great ideas here.... I will add another that has worked wonders for me with this issue and that is cranial sacral therapy with someone who specializes in jaws. Now, you are not going to find that skill set combination just anywhere--I don't know where you live @HABS93 --but I have worked with two people in the Bay Area with this expertise and their ministrations were amazing.
 

Likaloha

Senior Member
Messages
343
Location
Midwest usa
This has been happening for over a year. My jaw muscle pops in and out. Sometimes when I'm chewing it pops in and out quick it feels not so good. Not painful but like that shouldn't happen. This isn't related to my CFS but I know MDMA caused this problem. Sometimes it gets stuck when I wake up from sleeping and it's quite worrisome. Have no idea how to fix this
I had same problem... Finally had to have reconstructive surgery but tried mouth guard and braces first.... Seems surgery should be last option.... My oral surgeon type taught me how to pop my jaw back into place when it was out...heat seemed to help relax the muscles...Good luck
 

CFS_for_19_years

Hoarder of biscuits
Messages
2,396
Location
USA
This has been happening for over a year. My jaw muscle pops in and out. Sometimes when I'm chewing it pops in and out quick it feels not so good. Not painful but like that shouldn't happen. This isn't related to my CFS but I know MDMA caused this problem. Sometimes it gets stuck when I wake up from sleeping and it's quite worrisome. Have no idea how to fix this
A dentist or ENT can make the diagnosis of TMJ syndrome. Dentist can make bite guard to wear at night or even during the day if you want. If chewing is problematic, try switching to soft foods and don't chew gum. A dentist can also show you how you can massage the muscles around your jaw from INSIDE your mouth.

I went through braces, retainers and bite guard. They also suggested amitriptyline (anti-depressant) that is also good at reducing muscle spasms - I found this good for back spasms, not so much my jaw.