I’m a 33F who has been experiencing TMJ for about two years
It started after a dentist appointment, lasted a few weeks and then stopped. Primarily pain in the masseter muscle
Six months later after my next dental cleaning it came back, and didn’t stop. I have tried a lot of things, two mouth guards/splints (one made by an orthodontist, one TMJ expert). Several rounds of PT.
Over the last two years the pain has moved and I mostly feel it in my temporalis muscle now. I did Botox about 2 months ago but the pain has returned regularly now and I never went more than 3 days without pain.
Though I continue to wear the splint, I do not believe I grind my teeth at night. I usually wake up with no pain. The pain comes on throughout the day. The only thing that gives immediate relief is using a lacrosse ball on my traps, I feel the muscle relax in the temporalis, which leads me to believe it is related to posture. But even though I try to be mindful of my posture, it still comes back.
For more context, TMJ initially started when I was 4 months postpartum. Since then I’ve had another baby. So I am in lifting, carrying, holding children. Again, always trying to be mindful of posture but it feels challenging
Has anyone else experienced something similar with pain that seems more postural and found lasting relief? I saw a dentist that specializes in TMJ, she administered the Botox and created a new splint. But it’s been two months, really no change in the pain, and I feel like she’s again only addressing grinding/night clenching