Posted by Rich Jr. (206.37.206.68) on July 18, 1999 at 11:18:40:
In Reply to: TMJ posted by Donald A. Bradley on July 17, 1999 at 19:41:42:
I was diagnosed with TMJ before cluster headache. This was before I got to the disabling type of cluster pain. Orthodontist treated me with a mouth piece which seemed to help somewhat for a while, but not a permantent fix. Also they used Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) connected to jaw on both sides. This made the muscles jump, resulting in relaxation and possibly jolting nerves into functioning more properly. The TENS treatments seemed to help more than the mouth piece. I would be headache free for several days afterwords. I now have my own TENS unit (bought at yardsale for $40) and use it periodically, especially when in cluster cycle. It seems to help more toward the end of the cycle. I use it on my shoulder/back of neck mostly. Sometimes across my jaw. I still get popping (same side as headaches). I believe it agrivates the cluster headaches, but am totally pain free during rest of the year. It was hard to tell initially because I had chronic dailly headaches. Now they last only six weeks or so, unfortunately much more severe than 17 years ago. Then it was mostly a burning sensation around eye and temple. Now it engulfs the entire side of my head/back of head/neck etc. Best of luck to you! Rich