Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a common condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain and stiffness in the jaw, headaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. If left untreated, TMJ can lead to serious dental and medical problems. Fortunately, several treatment options are available to help manage the symptoms of TMJ and improve your overall health.
What Causes TMJ?
TMJ can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Teeth grinding or clenching
Arthritis in the jaw joint
Injury or trauma to the jaw joint
Poor posture
Stress and anxiety
Regardless of the cause, TMJ can significantly impact your quality of life. It can make it difficult to eat, speak, and even sleep. In severe cases, it can permanently damage the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
TMJ Treatment Options
The good news is that several treatment options are available to help manage the symptoms of TMJ and improve your overall health. Our office provides TMJ therapy for patients who suffer from TMJ disorders.
Lifestyle Changes
One of the first steps in treating TMJ is to make lifestyle changes that can help reduce symptoms. This may include practicing good posture, avoiding hard or chewy foods, and reducing stress through techniques like meditation or exercise.
Mouthguards or Splints
Mouthguards or splints are often recommended for people with TMJ. This is because they can help reduce grinding or clenching of the teeth and relieve pressure on the jaw joint. These devices are custom-made to fit your mouth and can be worn while you sleep or during the day.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for TMJ, as it can help improve the range of motion in the jaw joint and reduce muscle tension. In addition, your physical therapist may recommend exercises, massage, or other techniques to help improve your jaw function and reduce pain.
Medications
Medications, such as pain relievers or muscle relaxants, may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of TMJ. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation in the jaw joint. In addition to medication, you can try ice/heat therapy. To minimize pain and inflammation, you can ice the affected area. Additionally, you can use mild heat to help relax the muscles.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary in severe cases of TMJ to correct the problem. This may involve repairing or replacing the jaw joint or realigning the teeth.
Why Treat TMJ?
Treating TMJ is essential for several reasons. First, it can help improve your overall quality of life. When left untreated, TMJ can make eating, speaking, and sleeping difficult, leading to chronic pain and discomfort. Additionally, TMJ can lead to dental problems, such as worn or cracked teeth, and can even cause hearing loss or vision problems.
Finally, treating TMJ can help prevent further damage to the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Over time, untreated TMJ can cause permanent damage to the joint, which can make it difficult or impossible to open and close your mouth. Treating TMJ early can reduce permanent damage risk and improve oral health.