PA in Jaw?

[theateamx3]

I have a question about PA. I have been reading about it and not sure if I am just paranoid or if I have a basis for my concerns. A few of my nails have started to get ridges right as the base. The right side of my jaw, right under my ear, at the joint has been hurting. It's not a constant pain and seems to get worse in the evening. Has anyone ever heard of PA in the jaw?

[LillyPie]

I had the same exact pain! About 3 years ago my PA was really bad. I thought I was crazy - I didn't think I could get PA in my jaw. I even called and asked my rheumy about it. She told me - if there is a joint, you can get PA. My jaw was really bad. There were days when I couldn't close my jaw. I couldn't chew very well... because my jaw wouldn't close. I was in a lot of pain. My pain was in the same spot - right underneath my ear. So... to answer your question - Yes, you can get PA in your jaw.

[trishaholtz]

Hi! I just started treatment (on sulfa..which is working!) and I have the same problem. My husband is a dentist and he made me a splint to wear at night to relieve some of the pressure off of my jaw. He also readjusted my bite because when my jaw flares up and "pops" out of joint the alignment of my teeth had shifted. It has definately helped and it might be something to consider. Also taking anti-inflammatory meds help as well as warm compress to help with the pain/swelling. There are a lot of dentists that deal with these types of issues (facial pain/tmd) but take your time and find a good one. Make sure it is one you can trust. Good luck!

[theateamx3]

Thanks for the input. I am limited on the dentists and doctors that I can see though. If they are not Army doctors or I am not referred to them by Army doctors, I have to pay for them and the information will not be entered into my Military medical records, which I need for when I retire.

[trishaholtz]

My husband is a navy dentist (and he saw me illegally by the way!). You can be seen by the army and have then refer you to a specialist or see the army/navy specialists on staff if they have any where you are at. My h might know someone in your area (it is a small community) if you need any help. We are currently in the wash dc area but have been almost everywhere.

[grannyfranny]

theateamx3,
You do need to be evaluated,,,,,,this could be TMJ,,,very painful,,,sounds same as PA. Tell the dentist your symptoms without saying PA.
I had a splint made in an Army Hospital and it worked great,,,,for TMJ. I was a dependant.

[JesseLou]

I just got over a flare in my jaw. It lasted about 10 days and sometimes was awful, usually when I woke up.

I'm glad to have the info about dentistry, because I'm sure it will come back sooner or later!

[partial]

I would look at getting a mouthguard to wear while you sleep, especially if you feel a lot of muscle tension in your jaws when you wake up, are stressed, etc.

I had major neck and jaw problems for a long time that were related to grinding my teeth at night and found that using a nighguard really helped. Even if there is PA in your jaw, having something take pressure off at night might relieve some of the pain. No insurance that I have ever had (and I have had some decent insurance) would cover a real nightguard made by a dentist. I spent about $400 on the last one I bought, but it has lasted for over 5 years now so wasnt a bad investment.

Dont go to a dentist without a good reputation. My first splint/mouthguard came from a strip mall dentistry place. It was made of rubber and it took me about three days to chew through it. I saw a reputable dentist and showed it to him. He identified it as a bleaching tray, real cost should have $15. My foreful personality got me a refund.

There are some OTC nightguards available, even at Walmart. Might be worth a shot to try one and see if it helps. I think they are around $30. I started with a football mouthguard, but kept eating through them at night. When I found it helped, I spent the real money on a real nightguard.

[MaryJean713]

It could be TMJ. I have TMJ, and I think it is either aggrivated by the PA, or vice versa. It is very possible to have PA in your jaw. You need to be evaluated by a specialist.

I wear a splint at night to keep me from grinding my teeth, it does work, but I have to MAKE myself wear it. It is pretty uncomfortable. I always wake up with it on my pillow!

Splints are expensive, but with military medical it shouldn't be too bad. You can also buy a (not so expensive) splint at drug stores. Maybe try one of those first and see if it helps. If it does, then you know for sure that you need to get to a doctor.

Good luck!
MJ

[Lee140]

It definitely can happen in PA. I just found out Monday at the dentist that what I thought was an abscessed tooth is actually arthritis that's settled in the joint. If you can take NSAIDS they might help. Try to avoid yawning, chewing gum, bagels or other hard food. I've found that a heating pad directly on it helps. Try not to clench your teeth if you're prone to that. Mine was really painful (all the way across my face at one point), but died down after about a week. Hopefully yours will do the same thing!

Lee