Dentist appt. monday regarding possible tmj - what can i do in the meantime to help .stiff neck. headache. crackng jaw... slight vertigo every morning?

Simple things: You can try some over-the-counter medications, moist heat, ice, a soft diet, and gentle massage. Gentle stretching may also benefit your condition. I would also suggest avoiding things that make it worse.

Relax: Try to relax, avoid stress and take some over the counter tylenol (acetaminophen) 3 , or motrin, 3 times a day.

Aleve (naproxen) + nightguard : Take aleve, (naproxen) avoid opening wide. Cold compresses may reduce swelling. If you are unable to see a dentist, and you know you are grinding , clenching or bruxing your teeth at night, a drugstore nightguard may help.

Need to know cause: Tmj stiffnesss can be a symptom, that if left untreated, can lead to more severe problems. The cause of the problem is very significant and normally, if you experience popping/clicking and limited opening (locking) or closing of the jaw, see your dentist/a specialist before your suffering becomes enhanced.

TMJ dysfunction: The muscles and ligaments that cause your jaw to move are not working smoothly. If you chew gum stop. Eat softer foods. Apply moist heat to the joint area. Take aleve (naproxen) as per bottle. Stress plays a big role in triggering TMJ problems. Find activities to help reduce your stress level.

A few things: See TMJ expert. . Self treat with soft diet, jaw exercises, massage, heat/cold, OTC pain meds. A splint or physical therapy would be next. Occasionally muscle relaxants, biofeedback. Xrays are done for diagnosis. Surgery usually reserved for serious symptoms not responsive to other treatments.