Fibromyalgia

[Absolute Rotter]

OK--- since I haven't been able to post for some time, I have another question......client with fibromyalgia......she is experiencing alot of new bruxism, and wonders if it is related to the fibromyalgia.  We had talked about it during a session recently, and then after she dressed, she commented that she was aware that she had clenched her teeth while getting dressed.  I wonder if it is a habitual response to the constant pain ------ hmmmmI told her I'd check in with this forum to see if anyone had any words of wisdom.Thanks.Linda B in NC

 

[Soon to be Mrs. C]

Fibromyalgia

I think bruxism can sometimes be a reaction to constant pain. I have TMJ/bruxism and whenever I have a headache or injure myself I am lock jaw for awhile (minutes or hours depending on the pain level). It also comes with anxiety and anger/frustration. It becomes such a habitual thing that you catch yourself clenching your teeth while washing the dishes, typing a post!, or other day-to-day things. I've been using Alexander Technique to help my neck relax and I think a side effect is that it is helping my jaw relax as well.

 

[Huey]

Thanks, Dragonflies, for your comments.  I too suspect, as did the client, that the tension of constant pain was the cause of the bruxism.  I saw her again this week, and she is much more aware of this habit, and is attempting to release it.Did you see, by the way, the August Consumer reviews?  The ratings of subscribers on alternative therapies lists massage as the most effective for fibromyalgia ---- interesting article.  I excerpted much of it for my summer newsletter for clients.Blessings of the season,Linda

 

[Katrina :D]

One of the chiro's where I work had me work the masseteurs, SCM, scalenes, etc. for the neck on a client with fibro, thoracic outlet syndrome, and 2 injured shoulder.  I am not sure if she was grinding her teeth, but between the chiro and the massage (lots of gentle stripping) she has less jaw pain.Can I recommend Cranio-Sacral Therapy?  My ex-boyfriend had jaw issues and just one session did a world of good for him.  Later on, I learned Cranio and did it on a collegue, she was a clencher, TMJD, grinder, and she had relief.  She was quite puzzled that such light, painfree therapy could allow her to open her mouth and move her jaw side to side.  Sorry I have written a book.  Keep us posted.

 

[Arnold]

Thanks, reikicara.  I hadn't even considered working on that symptom area --- we've been so focused on the hip and shoulder that are most affected at the moment.  I see her this week again, and will work the jaws gently.  If nothing else, it will increase her awareness of tense holding in that area, and at best, it could really give her some relief!  Thank you.Linda B in NCPS--- I still wish she'd let me get her in the pool for a WATSU.  

 

[Tiffany Y]

OH, i fogot to mention that the above client did have jaw pain and a popping/clicking on the one side, I am just not sure if she was grinding her teeth.  I don't think so.  Anyway, gentle work on the masseteurs along with the neck massaging done by both the chiro and myself helped her out.  Please let me know what kind of results you get.  I bet just handling the TM joints with some TLC will get them to settle down a bit.Cara

 

[WWE Bragging Rights]

I have a good stretch that my grandmother taught me to keep from getting an "old lady" neck. It loosens my jaw for awhile after I do it. I clench constantly. Sit up straight and allow your head to fall back as far as it will go, and allow your mouth to fall open.  Close your mouth, hold it for a count of 20. You will look absolutely ridiculous when you do this. ;D

 

[Bob White]

thanks to all who posted suggestions for this FM client with bruxism...... we have worked the masseter, and TMJ muscles with good results.so far the best results have come from the fresh awareness of jaw clenching  ---- isn't that what massage can do so well?!  She notices now when she starts to clench, and can inhibit that response.  Hopefully this will translate into less pain.Linda B in NC

 

[sarasmile]

P.S. to Pearl ----be careful with the hyper extension of the head and neck ----- can cause some real problems with cervical vertebrae!  You can do the same jaw exercises with a tall spine, and directing your gaze to the ceiling without compacting the cervicals.....Linda B. in NC

 

[Mama Outlaw]

Linda B-I am so happy that your work is bringing relief and awareness!  Yes, our work can be wonderful!Her feeling better is likely going to keep her getting better.  Take care!Cara

 

[Ana-Maria]

Fibromyalgia

Does this patient have a jaw C-wobble or S-wobble..that can give you a lot of info on what additional treatment options are available for you to perform...Also have you tried grade 1 or 2 joint mobes for the TMJ?  Joint mobes really help the patient be in tune with how it feels to "relax" the jaw musculature..-Krystyne

 

[Samuel]

Krystyne,not familiar with the terms you used in your questions, so I assume the answer is no..... or I don't know.......as far as I know, the bruxism in my client is strictly a side effect of constant strain/pain from fibromyalgia ---- not a primary complaint.  I felt no major pathology in the TMJ musculature --- just some tension.  No popping or noise in the joint, etc.where can I find out about the terms you used?  sounds like the joint mobilizations might be helpful.  just don't know about grades or C/S wobbles.Linda B. in NC

 

[Lester]

Sure wmdw I can give you some more info.  During active free testing note where there is any deviation of the mandible during depression and elevation - a C-wobble indicates primarily joint dysfunction, where the mandible deviates to the side of hypomobility, and an S-wobble indicates primarily muscular imbalance (usually the lateral pterygoid).So, obviously if there is a C-wobble work with joint mobes and if there is an S-wobble work with the musculature.-Krystyne

 

[Morgan]

Fibromyalgia

Did you see, by the way, the August Consumer reviews?  The ratings of subscribers on alternative therapies lists massage as the most effective for fibromyalgia ---- interesting article.  I excerpted much of it for my summer newsletter for clients.

I have not seen the August Consumer reviews, I should get ahold of it though. I have two clients with Fibro and neither of them can endure a massage. During the massage they feel great, it's getting through the three days in bed afterwards. One client does extremely well with the reflexology while the other we're still working on some pain management. However the homework I give her seems to be helping a bit.