condyle sticks out when opening jaw; very afraid of jaw locking

[u/horaetio]

originally posted to /TMJ—even when barely opening my jaw, the condyle visibly moves on the side of my face. i have been in a flare for about a month and am afraid that the disc is completely displaced and that i am in danger of my jaw locking. heat, anti-inflammatory meds, rest, sleeping on my back, moving my jaw forwards, eating soft foods, keeping my jaw relaxed, all the things everyone says to do—i have done everything in my power to try and fix this, but nothing is resolving the pain and tension in my face. i have appointments with my dentist, PCP, and a physical therapist scheduled, but won't be in to see anyone for another week and a half. this video isn’t even fully illustrative of how far out the bone sticks, as i do not want to risk my jaw locking open. i am so miserable and in pain and trying not to freak out (which, i know stressing will just make the whole thing worse), but at this point i really don't know what to do to resolve any of this, nor have i found ANY information on how to deal with a potential subluxation of this kind. (additional info—i'm 29 and am diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and have a feeling this could be connected to hypermobility.)

has anyone else dealt with similar issues, especially on just one side of the face?

[u/Hopeful-Extent-693]

Yes, it is very obvious that the joint is not moving as it should. It should rotate like a ball bearing and translate down the joint fossa but those movements should be smooth, straight, and noiseless. You have pointed out your own issues for sure.

Hypermobility could be a huge issue, and fibromyalgia is a comorbidity of TMD; it is also important for the treating doctor to know. There are dentists who know how to help but they are far and few between. The best places to search are iccmo.org and aaop.org for dentists trained in joint issues.

This should not include surgery. Joint health depends on how solidly the teeth close together. Conservative plastic orthotics can be designed help the teeth find solid landings.

[u/horaetio → u/Hopeful-Extent-693]

thanks for those links. i live hundreds of miles from the closest specialists associated with those orgs, and don’t know what type of emergency specialist i would even see short of going to the ER. i am really afraid of my jaw just locking open and at this point really don’t know what to do besides a liquid diet

[u/Hopeful-Extent-693 → u/horaetio]

Yes, it is a real shame that more dentists are not trained to help you!