OK to dive with TMJ discomfort??

[crlavoie]

Seacure is the way to go.

I've got TMJ pretty bad. I can't say that it's ever affected my diving, other than being uncomfortable. I do sometimes have major pain / discomfort for 4 or 5 days after a dive. The seacure mouthpiece has helped considerably but it's not a cure if she has a bad case.

 

[WesTexDiver]

I have TMJ...normally from grinding my teeth while i sleep. When I wake up sometimes it feels like Mike Tyson punched me in the jaw. Your orthodontist can make a mold of your mouth and order you a nice little clip on piece of plastic for when you sleep if this is where your TMJ comes from.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi ECPaul,

You might find the following piece of mine to be informative:

"TMJ and Scuba

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a ball and socket joint located just in front of the ears on both sides of the head, attaches the lower jaw to the skull (See http://www.jawdoctor.com/tmj.php). It is one of the body's most complex joints and contains a small disc which under certain circumstances can become unstable. When it does, a clicking sensation can occur as it slips in and out of place. If this results in no discomfort or other signs or symptoms, typically no treatment is indicated.

While more correctly called TMD, or temporomandibular dysfunction, in practice the acronym TMJ often is used to refer to a syndrome which includes ear pain, sore jaw muscles, temple/cheek pain, jaw popping/clicking, locking of the jaw, difficulty in opening the mouth fully, or frequent head/neck aches.

As most cases of TMJ are temporary, treatment usually is conservative and includes resting the jaw, using warm, moist compresses and taking anti-inflammatory pain medication. The affected diver should eat only soft foods and avoid chewing gum and eating hard candy. A regimen of jaw exercises may also prove beneficial (http://www.maxfaxsho.co.uk/index_files/Page8028.htm).

Those with TMJ abnormalities may suffer a worsening of signs and symptoms when diving, most probably as a result of clenching the second stage between the teeth (1, 2).

The diver with TMJ/TMD should:

1. Religiously follow all suggested topside treatments.

2. Make sure the regulator hose is of the correct length and properly oriented. The second stage should neither push nor pull upon the mouth.

3. Select a comfortable mouthpiece, such as the SeaCURE (www.seacure1.com) or Comfobite (http://www.simplyscuba.com/SearchResults.aspx).

4. Practice holding the reg in the mouth using the least amount of tension necessary until it becomes automatic.

5. Stop diving if locking of the jaw or discomfort significantly interfere with safe and enjoyable scuba.

6. See a dentist or physician if the condition becomes severe or chronic.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.


1. "Temporomandibular Disorders in Association With Scuba Diving." [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/...e&db=PubMed&list_uids=16162996&dopt=Abstract]

2. "Scuba diving can induce stress of the temporomandibular joint leading to headache." [http://bjsm.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/38/1/102]

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[ECPaul]

Hey Doc Viking (from Minnestota??)

Thanks for the advice - especially regarding the custom mouthpieces - we'll definitely check them out.

 

[bwerb]

My wife who has it also dives with a long hose...she found that the hose routing puts no "pull" on her regulator and she can move without having to "clench" her teeth. For a "stock" mouthpiece the Atomic M-1 is phenomenal.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hey ECPaul,

My pleasure.

No, not from MN nor am I primarily a Viking fan, although I do like the team.

Season's greetings.

DocVikingo

 

[ECPaul]

My wife who has it also dives with a long hose...she found that the hose routing puts no "pull" on her regulator and she can move without having to "clench" her teeth. For a "stock" mouthpiece the Atomic M-1 is phenomenal.

I completely agree - that why we dive with Atomic B2s - great regs that minimize "pull".

 

[climbindiver]

I didn't read all the threads so I don't know if it has been said. However, I have TMJ and I dive quite fine. I wear my splint all the time except to eat and dive. I find that with the mouth peice my jaw is fine, if I wear the splint with it there is to much in my mouth and my jaw is spread to far. You should always be relaxed when diving and that goes for your jaw. Don't clench down on the mouth peice. Just thought that my help, any more questions let me know
Hasta Luego
Climbindiver