In an HSI Forum thread titled "SEVERE pain from TMF and Trigeminal neuralgia," a member named Becky has this plea to fellow members, "Please help with any ideas to stop chronic and severe pain from TMJ and TN." TMJ is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (a painful disorder of the jaw joint, sometimes associated with arthritis), and TN is trigeminal neuralgia (an irritation of a nerve in the jaw and face). These disorders are often mistaken for dental problems, and are often treated with dentistry, prescription drugs, and even surgery. Becky says that her jaw pain is so intense that for more than two months she hasn't been able to sleep and rarely eats. She's been prescribed pain killers, but takes them only when she can't stand the pain that keeps her from sleeping. She adds, "Although I know it is not good to take a lot of ibuprofen I have been taking 600-800 mgs every 3-4 hrs for over 2 months. I have also started taking a supplement called Formula 303 in the last 1-2 wks that consists of 6 parts valerian root, 3 parts passiflora, and 1 part magnesium carbonate that actually has helped more than I thought it would." A member named Denise (who says she has personal experience with TMJ problems) tells Becky, "You are right in wanting to avoid man-made drugs like ibuprophen and pain killers. They just lead to toxic waste in your kidneys and liver." Denise recommends that Becky try one or more of these: a good chiropractor, a massage therapist, a trigger-point therapist, and an MFR practitioner. She explains, "MyoFacia Release (MFR) is a type of massage, similar to trigger-point therapy in some ways. Facia is the shealth (membrane) that covers each muscle and each individual strand of muscle fiber within that muscle. All of these are inter-connected throughout the entire body." A member named Phyllis suggests treatment with a cranial osteopath, saying simply, "This will help." And another member, who calls himself notime2work, says that his TMJ symptoms were eliminated when his dentist fitted him with a bite guard to keep him from grinding his teeth while he slept. TMJ and TN are often misdiagnosed, so if you're experiencing extreme jaw discomfort, check this Forum thread first for more detailed comments from other members before you have teeth pulled or allow surgery that may cause facial paralysis. Other health topics being discussed on the Forum this week include: - Night leg cramps
- Emphysema
- Testing for hormone levels
- Eye floaters
- Pro-HGH
And in a thread titled, "Grey Hair - I have found the solution folks!!!!" a member named Esmeralda starts off an interesting and amusing discussion when she recommends an iodine product. Whether or not gray hair is of any concern to you personally, there's sure to be a Forum thread with health information you can put to good use. Just log on to our web site at www.hsibaltimore.com and join the discussions. And, at the risk of repeating myself from yesterday -- Go Ravens!
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