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Question:
Night Time Jaw Clenching I'm 38 years old, and I just can't believe that I have been suffering as long as I have. Every day of the past fifteen years of my life, has been spent with headache, balance and fatigue problems.
While the intensity of the symtoms varies slightly from day to day, the feeling in my head can best be described as that of a bad hangover. In other words, my head always feels like it's full of pressure or being squeezed, and it lacks a sense of location or position, relative to my body.
I've also had chronic upper back and neck stiffness and pain for at least eight years, and when I awake in the mornings, I feel as if I haven't slept at all. I'm in pain or discomfort all day, but sleeping definitely seems to "recharge" the problem. The plain fact is this: Having been suffering for so long, you can imagine that, in addition to having been to many doctors, I am very aware of my situation and/or problem.
I KNOW that I am a severe and chronic night time jaw clencher, but I just can't stop the habit or get relief. I've tried the NTI device, and a mouthguard with a pressure sensative alarm, but to no avail. Rigorous exercise just before bed seems to reduce some tension and stress, which helps to lesson the clenching, but the relief is minimal. My teeth, gums and jaw hurt, my head hurts, my back and neck hurt, and I'm spiraling downward....Please help! ...Visitor from NY
Answer:
Your problem sounds debilitating. I am not so courageous as to say that there definitely is a solution to your problem, but I know that improvements are available.
First, I suggest that you see an orthodontist that works alot with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). I am not convinced that you have such a disorder, but these individuals are generally very well educated in neck / jaw pain and fatigue. As such, these clinicians will likely be able to troubleshoot your issue enough to direct you to the appropriate specialist if Temporomandibular Disorder is not your problem.
If TMD is your problem, identifying the type of TMD can be done via an orthodontist. TMD's come in many varieties. This forum can't address them all, but suffice it to say that you need to see either an orthodontist or an oral surgeon (who can probably refer you to a good orthodontist).
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