Klarinet Archive - Posting 000264.txt from 1998/01

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Bass Clarinet Woes
Date: Tue, 6 Jan 1998 08:19:08 -0500

On Mon, 5 Jan 1998, Craig Romanec u wrote:

> I began a self-improving activity about three months ago and have been
> playing bass clarinet in my univeristy's wind ensemble. I'm experiencing
> a problem with my jaw, or the muscles surrounding it. The problem is
> pain. I'm afraid to report that I'm terrible at explaining exactly what
> it feels like any more than it's more prevelant on the left side than the
> right. My question is this: has anyone experienced anything like this?
> does anybody have any idea how to cure it?

See a chiropractor or dentist at your earliest convenience for a
consultation regarding this issue. You may have a mild form of
TMJ (Temporo Mandibular Joint) syndrome, which is potentially
excruciating if allowed to develop further. Don't wait too long
before getting some medical advice from a qualified individual.
People with severe cases of TMJ syndrome have found themselves
in hospital emergency rooms due to the extremely high level of
pain it can cause. There are more nerve endings at your TMJ's
than in the tips of your index fingers.

Neil