A Beginner’s Guide to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Have you heard of temporomandibular joint disorder?
You might know it by its (much shorter) acronym, TMJ. Whatever you call it, this syndrome affects as many as 10 million Americans.
Do you suspect that you have TMJ? Wondering how to fix temporomandibular joint disorder? Keep reading as we discuss this surprisingly common condition.
What Is TMJ?
Every time you chew, talk, or yawn, you exercise your temporomandibular joint. This joint is the “hinge” that attaches your jaw to the temporal bones on either side of your skull. Because it moves both side-to-side and up-and-down, it’s one of the most complex joints in your body.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (also called a syndrome) involves a number of conditions that affect the normal function of this joint. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in and around the jaw, ears, neck, and upper shoulders
- Clicking, grinding, or popping sounds when you open your mouth
- Difficulty chewing
- Headaches or earaches
- Stiffness and soreness in the jaw and face
If this sounds like you, TMJ could be to blame.
What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
Some cases of TMJ are acute. The symptoms come on suddenly after an accident or direct blow to the face.
In other cases, the stress in the joint builds up gradually over time. Stress, bruxism (teeth grinding), a misaligned bite, and habitual clenching can all lead to TMJ.
Arthritis can affect the temporomandibular joint, creating pain and stiffness. The cause could also be something in your daily routine, such as excessive gum chewing or poor posture.
How to Treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
If you suspect you have TMJ, you’ll want to visit a local orthodontist for a proper diagnosis. The treatment plan you need will depend entirely on what’s causing your symptoms.
The good news is that most cases of TMJ are treatable with conservative efforts and lifestyle changes. For example, if you grind your teeth at night, your dentist will fit you with a protective mouthguard to wear while you sleep.
If you’re suffering from an acute case of TMJ, your treatment plan will probably include the use of ice or heat on the jaw joint. You might also take muscle relaxants or over-the-counter painkillers. And you’ll want to stick with soft, easy-to-chew foods until your symptoms resolve.
It will also be helpful to learn relaxation techniques and exercises to help your jaw stay loose. You might benefit from targeted massage therapy or physical therapy to relax the soft tissues attached to your jaw.
Most of the time, these conservative treatment options are enough. In very severe cases, your dentist may recommend surgery. Be sure to get a second opinion (and exhaust all other treatment options) before you choose this route.
Find the Right TMJ Treatment Near You
The type of temporomandibular joint disorder treatment you need depends much on the cause of your TMJ. Your dentist or orthodontist can offer suggestions and form a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.
Now that you know what causes temporomandibular joint disorder (and what you can do about it), what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more interesting articles like this one.