Temporomandibular Joint Issues...

I didn't end up going to work today because my temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) has been flaring up since the minute I woke up. My whole face is killing me and nothing I'd done as of thus far has really helped -- I took like five Aleve® and in an hour or so I'm gonna hit the Vicodin because the Aleve® didn't do shit. The only good thing is that is isn't messing with me equilibrium today -- It really sucks when your equilibrium is all screwed up.

For those of you that don't know anything about TMJD here is some information...

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.

Common Symptoms Of TMJD Include:

• Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
• Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
• Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain)
• A tired feeling in the face
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite – as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
• Swelling on the side of the face

Other common symptoms of TMJD include toothaches, headaches, neckaches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitis).