Korean Job Discussion Forums

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

For the past two weeks, I've had a horrible pain in my jaw. It hurts tremendously when I chew, and I physically can't close the left side of my mouth all the way.

After a couple weeks of self-medicating with vodka and ibuprofen, I decided to go see a doctor. My hagwon director was kind enough to take me to a bone specialist and help with communication.

The doctor assessed that my left jaw slides out of socket every time I open my mouth, which has been the case as long as I can remember. I asked him what may have caused this swelling. Here are the possible reasons he outlined.

1. I'm talking too much.

2. When I eat (hamburgers, he specifically noted) I open my mouth too wide.

3. When I eat, I'm chewing too many times.

4. When I sleep at my desk at work, I'm putting too much pressure on that side of my head.

Well, at least it was a free visit, since he's a friend of my director. And, I got some medicine. Confused

visitor q · Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 8:00 am Post subject:

Yes this is very revelant to living in Korea. Thanks.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

[quote="Qinella"]After a couple weeks of self-medicating with vodka and ibuprofen, I decided to go see a doctor.[quote]

Nice.

But seriously, are you going to see an orthopedist?

canuckistan · Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 4:31 pm Post subject:

That sucks. The swelling and then further movement just starts a nasty circle of more swelling. Try Advil if you can get it and rest your jaw as much as possible. It has anti-inflammatories in it.

BigBlackEquus · Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 4:52 pm Post subject:

You might ask your husband if you should reconsider fixing this problem.

A jaw sliding out of place can have benefits.