TMJD: Natural Alternatives to NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, and Muscle Relaxants?

Hi everyone,

I'm struggling with quite bad TMJD, & though I want to consult a specialist to have a better understanding of what's going on, I know that I'm very probably going to be recommended some combination of NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and/or muscle relaxants.

Since I don't really feel comfortable taking these prescription meds at this point in time unless absolutely necessary, I'm hoping to get some suggestions for natural alternatives.

If you've used something for TMJD & found it effective, that's a bonus, but if you've used a natural alternative to one of these med categories for a different health issue, that's okay too! Please share dosage & health issue for reference.

Thank you!

P.S. @Lane, I'll tag you here, in case you can help!

 

I mean isn't the only real fix to fix your teeth? The root problem of TMJD is almost always a malocclusion. But fixing that is not so easy and can cost up to 20,000 EUR.

 

The true cause and solution for temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD)

This gives some good information about TMJD. I have it myself so am trying to be proactive with exercises/posture. Maybe it can help you in some way, however small

 

My left TMJ is worn out, but it’s hard to find a TMJ doctor to do surgery.

 

You need to do a lot of doctor/surgeon shopping. Really have a good look around the country to see who would be willing and able to help you.

 

I do have a doctor in mind, he’s in Arkansas. The problem is static seemed to be in both ears yesterday and now today it seems mostly in my left ear, where I had an airplane barotrauma in 2008.

Now I think the barotrauma damaged my left inner ear and my left TMJ may have nothing to do with the static. Either way it’s very unpleasant and I can’t shut it off.

 

That's the problem with tinnitus, nobody can tell you 100% what the cause is. I even wonder myself as I also have TMJD.

 

The doctor in Arkansas (Scotty Bolding of PRECiDENT Health) said a total jaw replacement would reduce my noise by 85%, but who knows? There could be complications, and it would cost about $40,000.

 

I have a very loud noise in my left ear today. I think it’s from my left jaw. I used my jaw advancer plus my Bi-Pap last night. It seems my Bi-Pap mask interferes with my jaw advancer. I hate this noise.

 

My left jaw is on the upper right. It is bone on bone. It is very noisy in my left ear atm. I think the noise is from my left jaw, but I can’t shut it off. I also had an airplane barotrauma in 2008 that was in my left ear.

 

Do you have ear pain from the TMJD?

 

No, not really. My left jaw is crunchy. My main complaint is static noise in my left ear.

My noise is static like that is testing my nerves. It still could be from barotrauma, which I can’t do nothing about or related to nerves or jaw inflammation from the worn out left TMJ. Doctor at Mayo Rochester dismissed my TMJ causing my tinnitus because I could open my mouth normally. My mood is really ornery.

Nothing against anyone on this forum as I feel for all of you that are struggling. I’m sure many are ornery and disgusted like me. I hope everyone gets relief whatever their cause. Even some way to manage the noise would be okay. I will try my elastic mandibular advancer once again, but that seems to be hit or miss lately. I would try the Lenire but the reviews seem mixed.

 

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to share that chamomile is quite effective as a natural muscle relaxant. I used to drink chamomile tea before bed, & noticed a pattern whereby my TMJ muscles would loosen considerably while sipping the tea. I now sip this tea all day, & it really helps!

Also, ginger has been helping me with my hyperacusis-related ear pain, & after doing some research, I learned it functions the same as NSAIDs do!

Apparently higher doses of vitamin D can also be used in place of steroids, though I haven't experimented with this yet.

Cheers,
Maddy