Mask squeeze on Sinus' and Locking jaw.

[Firediver]

I find that when I am doing multiple dives, The bridge of my nose gets really sore from mask sqeeze. Is there anything I can do to relieve that? I do exhale through my nose sometimes to pressurize my mask so to speak..... Also, I find after multiple dive days my jaw is sore and sometimes locks.<I can only open my mouth so far> THis usually lasts for 15-20min after a dive.. I know that some of it is related to jaw fatigue. Is there anything that can be done to relieve the fatigue and locking?? I have had dental work done< braces> and do have some jaw snapping......

 

[BigJetDriver]

Two thoughts:

A mask with higher volume may keep it off the nose bridge.

As for the jaw, a Sea-Cure mouthpiece (or similar) will tend to relieve that feeling.

Cheers!

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

Two thoughts:

A mask with higher volume may keep it off the nose bridge.

As for the jaw, a Sea-Cure mouthpiece (or similar) will tend to relieve that feeling.

Cheers!

BJD...you took the words right out of my mouth!

Firediver...What you are describing with your jaw is typically seen in TMJ Syndrome. You are probably clenching your jaws daily leading to fatigue of the muscles of mastication. As they tire, they become "spastic" and don't operate in a harmonious way. This applies unnatural stresses to the temperomandibular joints and with time, this can affect the discs that are located between the upper and lower halves of each joint.

There is a muscle that is supposed to move the disc synchroneously with the condyle (the head of the joint). The disc is supposed to be positioned over the condyle as it slides along the joint fossa (the socket or track the condyle moves in). When there is muscle fatigue, the disc can become displaced in front of or behind the condyle. As the lower jaw moves, the condyle may pop onto and off of the disc and thus, the popping sound.

It is even possible for the disc to become damaged to the point that it gets jammed in front of or behind the condyle. When this occurs, you can have what is called a closed or open "lock". Basically, the disc acts like a rubber door stopper and wedges the codyle, preventing full movement. Then you either can't open or close your mouth fully.

Diving, and holding the regulator simply adds to the muscle strain and increases the degree of fatigue. After a few minutes, you jaws can become tight and sore and there might be limitation of opening or closing.

Along with the suggestion to try the SeaCure or JAX mouthpieces, you might want to discuss this with your dentist. Often, there is a component of this condition that is related to the teeth failing to fit together properly. When that happens, you spend the night (and even the day) unconsciously rubbing your teeth together in an unsuccessful process of trying to rub away the "high spots" to make the teeth fit better.

Occlusal adjustment or bite splint therapy may be useful if the bite is the problem.

Hope this helps.


Laurence Stein, DDS

 

[Firediver]

What about a regulator necklace along with the sea cure or Jax??

 

[ShakaZulu]

If I was you, I'd stop diving immediately. Take up a new sport like tennis or something.........

 

[DandyDon]

Since your mask should not be touching the brdige of your nose, I wonder about inner sinus problems?

 

[ShakaZulu]

Since your mask should not be touching the brdige of your nose, I wonder about inner sinus problems?

Hey now, look at you....right on the money, that is exactly what it is. It feels like the mask is pushing too hard, but it's actually a sinus squeeze. Go down slowly (headup decent) and equalize often. Start at the surface; wet your face before you put the mask on. Dive often......

 

[Firediver]

yeah the day I stop diving.. I am six feet under ground.. or 300'+ underwater ... but there is no sinus squeeze persay.. it's the bone in my nose that is getting sore from my mask.. ... from it pushin on it.. this started happening this year.. never had problems before.. I bought the mask when I was 18.. and I am now 21 so I can asume I grew a little.. so the fit may not be as perfect.... I find the mask is pushing on the bridge of my nose....

 

[DandyDon]

yeah the day I stop diving.. I am six feet under ground.. or 300'+ underwater ... but there is no sinus squeeze persay.. it's the bone in my nose that is getting sore from my mask.. ... from it pushin on it.. this started happening this year.. never had problems before.. I bought the mask when I was 18.. and I am now 21 so I can asume I grew a little.. so the fit may not be as perfect.... I find the mask is pushing on the bridge of my nose....

So, you're saying that the mask is touching your nose, enough to cause pain? I skipped this possibility, but I guess it could happen. Perhaps your nose has changed shape, or even size - which I think I read once is possible.

If the mask touches your nose, though, you need a different mask, simply put - one that doesn't, regardless of whether there could be anything else in play here.

Then, if the pain continues, do whatever you have to there to see an Ear, Nost, and Throat pysician.

It's also remotely possible that your mouthpiece problem could be connected, but you need to deal with that, too. Replace both, and if the problem goes away, :cheering:

 

[Firediver]

Sounds good. I do have a spare mask that I don't have the problem with, I usually switch out when my nose begins to gets sore. The only thing is it's a black mask and a feel like I have blinders on.. the main mask is clear silicone.. guess I will have to get used to it..
How much would I be looking at for a seacure mouth piece?? WIll it fit a Dacor Pacer II??