Ciarsgirl Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 I have TMJ displacement and have managed it for 15 years now. I'm on day 5 of whole 30 and have noticed a very significant difference in the amount of clenching I am doing in my sleep, which causes me to wake with a severe headache/neck/jaw pain and it's getting worse daily (different than the general headaches of days 2-4). I'm doing what I can to mitigate (starting to food process more of my meals), but am wondering if this is something that will tame down as my body becomes accustomed to the sugar withdrawal. I'm assuming to a degree that the way I was treating stress (so. Much. Sugar.) and the amount of chewing I am doing because most whole foods are not soft and require more mastication is the dual cause...but wondering if anyone else has experienced this? TMJ caused headaches are almost disabling and it's making me far more miserable than any cravings! TIA for any suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StayCee Posted May 11, 2016 Share Posted May 11, 2016 No advice, but I am going through the same thing. My mobility has gotten far worse since before I started this round, and I get daily headaches and migraines, to the point where I dread my next meal because it will require me to chew. I am on day 9, and hoping that the surge of energy we are supposed to get in the next week or so will also decrease my stress levels which cause the clenching. I tend to avoid salads and roast/steam a lot of veggies, because that requires a lot less chewing than a salad, and I love my eggs because they are easy to eat and filling. Fish and ground meats are my preferred protein for the same reasons. Hope the pain has subsided a bit-- good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtFossil Posted May 11, 2016 Share Posted May 11, 2016 I have TMJ displacement and have managed it for 15 years now. I'm on day 5 of whole 30 and have noticed a very significant difference in the amount of clenching I am doing in my sleep, which causes me to wake with a severe headache/neck/jaw pain and it's getting worse daily (different than the general headaches of days 2-4). I'm doing what I can to mitigate (starting to food process more of my meals), but am wondering if this is something that will tame down as my body becomes accustomed to the sugar withdrawal. I'm assuming to a degree that the way I was treating stress (so. Much. Sugar.) and the amount of chewing I am doing because most whole foods are not soft and require more mastication is the dual cause...but wondering if anyone else has experienced this? TMJ caused headaches are almost disabling and it's making me far more miserable than any cravings! TIA for any suggestions. Do you wear a night guard?Do you do any jaw relaxation exercises? Do you do any meditation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laura_juggles Posted May 11, 2016 Share Posted May 11, 2016 To ease up on the amount of chewing, could you do some hearty meat sauce that you can put on zucchini noodles? Blended veggie soups with softly scrambled eggs? And along with what ArtFossil said about a night guard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jburth7 Posted May 11, 2016 Share Posted May 11, 2016 Likely due to the increase in mastication, salads are notorious for extensive chewing and are the first thing recommended to ditch with TMD. See your dentist or a TMD specialist about being fitted for a nightguard. If your jaw is popping/clicking at all, you are at increased risk for it locking at some point. Also, stress is known to increase clenching, could just be additional stress b/c of changing your diet recently which might get better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ciarsgirl Posted May 12, 2016 Author Share Posted May 12, 2016 Thanks all! I do wear a night guard - I actually went to PT for this 3x week with a specialist for two years to overcome it without surgery 13 years ago, so I have and do all of the exercises. I have been using my processor to grind spinach and meats to try to alleviate as much as possible. Was doing better with that part until an extra stressful work day set me right back (I will clench without realizing it until the crazy headache hits.) I think this has all shown me that it is past time for a career change, as I am internalizing my stress so much. Day 12 and loving the energy change though! Looking for a transcidental meditation guide today, haven't done any in years, great suggestion! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmhampton1 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 I'm glad you realized it's stress related, but it stinks that your job is so stressful. I hope you are able to work it all out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
praxisproject Posted May 14, 2016 Share Posted May 14, 2016 Magnesium is also really important for stress, your body uses more of it when under stress, so you can get deficient really quickly. Changing jobs for better health is something that isn't easy, but the health payout is well worth it Having done this myself, it's not a quick fix, it takes time and planning, but it's worth working towards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ciarsgirl Posted May 15, 2016 Author Share Posted May 15, 2016 Thanks again all. I do take natural calm (magnesium) in the evening. I definitely am compromised in part by PTSD from caring for my dad at age 26-29 while he was actively dying, was sole caretaker, and then ages 34-36 spent time in Iraq, wouldn't have chosen differently for either but stress consumes me more quickly and easily since (past 8-10 years), and the TMD is always the worst physical symptom. In good news, half way through my 30, feeling great, amazingly strong mentally, and loving it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.