A Young Wife’s Tale

David uses a combination of traditional and alternative medicine to treat his arthritis. He responds well to massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. Supplements have not given him any relief so far.

Here’s a picture of me wearing my night guard. It doesn’t prevent me from clenching or grinding my teeth, but it minimizes the damage.

It started when I was in college. My jaw would just lock up and I wouldn’t be able to move my mouth. It started happening more and more frequently and for greater lengths of time. Then I started having a little pain. I went to my dentist who made me a night guard.

I got worse. The pain became so bad that it was difficult to eat things like sandwiches, pizza, steak, apples, carrots and anything you have to bite in to. My parents’ health insurance did not cover any treatment of TMJ Disorder, so every doctor visit and even the night guard they paid for out of pocket.

David used to have me walk on his back to get it to pop. However, since he’s starting seeing the chiropractor, he’s only asked me to do it once. Therheumatologist and the chiropractor both said it’s fine for me to walk on David’s back, but I’m always afraid I’ll step on him the wrong way and hit a nerve and paralyze him.

I try to take care of myself so that I can take care of David.It’s not just important for caregivers. I think everyone should take care of themselves. Here are some things I do for myself.