TMJ disorders: Types, Symptoms and Treatments
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull. The joint is found on both sides of the head in front of the ears. It acts like a sliding hinge allowing the jaw to open and close. A TMJ disorder disrupts the actions you perform using this joint. You feel pain while doing simple movements like laughing, talking, chewing if you get such disorders. Before opting for TMJ treatment, see the details here.
Types
There are three main types of TMJ disorders:
Internal Derangement of the Joint
Displacement of the TMJ disc, a dislocated jaw, or lower back injury can lead to TMJ disorders.
Degenerative Joint Disease
Degeneration or inflammation may happen due to the aging of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or a perforated TMJ disc may result into this.
Myofascial Pain Disorder
When discomfort and pain occur in the muscles around your jaw joint, TMJ disorder can take place. Daytime bruxism, abnormal muscular function or nocturnal grinding may cause this disorder.
Causes
TMJ pain occurs due to various reasons. Arthritis, jaw injury, disk erosion are some possible causes, however the exact reason of a TMJ disorder is difficult to determine. Hence it is always advisable to consult a doctor to identify the cause and get proper TMJ treatment.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary with the cause of the pain. Some common symptoms include-
Neck pain
Aching pain in and around your ear
Stiffness in the muscles of the jaw
Locking of the jaw
Popping or clicking sound from the TMJ site
Dental issues
Pain while chewing
Ringing in the ear
Vertigo
Headaches
Malocclusion (shift in the jaw, changing the way that the upper and lower teeth align)
Go for TMJ treatment if any of these symptoms arises.
Treatments
You must seek medical attention if there is persistent pain in your jaw or you have problems while opening or closing your jaws. There are varieties of treatments for TMJ disorders. Home remedies have been proven successful in improving and even curing the TMJ symptoms.
Some home treatments are-
Eating soft foods
Using ice to reduce swelling
Reducing jaw movements
Reducing stress (stress management exercise)
Doing jaw-stretching exercises
If home treatments fail then there are medications and therapies based on your condition. If the pain is not eased by home remedies, medications, and therapies, then it requires some serious treatment like surgery. Talk with your doctor to decide the best TMJ treatment for you.
PreventionYou may not prevent the TMJ disorder from developing, but if you can change certain habits then it is possible to control and reduce the pain. Lowering your stress levels, correcting your posture, employing physical therapy and exercises, getting a good night’s sleep and consulting a dentist if there is any symptom, may save you from more serious issue.
Contact Us
TMJ disorders are not fatal, but if left untreated, can cause discomfort and pain in and around your jaw. Contact TMJ & Sleep Therapy Center of Oklahoma City to get the best TMJ treatment.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.