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RE: TMJ Condition

Author: Dan Borlawsky
Date: 2003-02-05 14:11

I am primarily a sax player doubling on clarinet, and have this condition. It can be very painful. About 3 years ago, it caused me to play less frequently (trying to avoid the pain), take prescription muscle relaxants and painkillers, have an extended course of chiropractic jaw adjustments, and have a cortisone injection in the jaw joint. I also wear a "night guard" to keep my jaws in proper alignment while sleeping. After a year or so of this, I'm now playing more frequently, and for longer periods of time, but I'm constantly aware that I can't overstress that joint or the problem will return. It's not a problem that can be corrected quickly, and probably not permanently.

The upside of all this? I'm more aware of how my jaw feels have learned how to manually adjust my jaw, and have avoided any major problems for over 2 years now.

I hope your student can avoid what I went through, but it's always a shame to hear about someone so young having this potentially painful and serious problem (I'm a "senior citizen").

--Dan

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