TMJ

The Unmatched Guide to TMJ Disorder and TMJ Treatment

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tmj disorder guide

What started as a minor pain in front of your ears has grown into a disturbing discomfort. The sight of crunchy food sends shivers down your spine, and talking or yawning has become an uphill task. 

You might be suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). The most severe of this disorder’s prevalence ranges from 5% to 12%.

The good news? 

Your healthcare provider can help you identify its root cause and determine your case’s treatment option. Furthermore, various home remedies can help you spit this condition out of your mouth and life. 

What are Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs)?

TMJs are joints that connect your mandible (lower jaw) to the skull’s base at the front of your ears. You have two TMJs joints (one at each side of your skull). Their parts include:

  • Articular fossa: The joint’s socket
  • Condyle: The mandible’s upper end. It’s usually round and movable
  • Multiple facial muscles: They control your mandible’s movement when closing and opening your mouth
  • Cartilage disk: It’s between the fossa and condyle. It cushions against stress and facilitates easy movement of the condyle.
  • Ligament: Connects condyle to skull’s base.

These joints are bimodal, allowing translation gliding and hinge rotation.  

What is a TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction happens when the joints don’t work effectively, leading to limited jaw opening. The result is difficulty in eating, talking, and yawning. 

It also causes pain in the joints, facial muscles, and surrounding areas such as skull temples, cheekbones, neck, and ears. While the pain can be on both sides, it’s often one-sided.

TMJ Symptoms

The condition often leads to pain in your TMJ and the surrounding areas, especially when opening your mouth, eating, or yawning. So common TMJ symptoms include:

  • Earaches
  • Headaches
  • Tinnitus
  • Toothache
  • Jaw clicking or popping
  • Migraines
  • Malocclusion (misfit in teeth arrangement)
  • Pain in the neck, shoulders, and jaw 
  • Facial pain
  • Stiffness in the jaw or difficulty opening the mouth
  • Swelling around the affected region

Since patients are never the same, these symptoms can vary. But you must seek quick medical intervention to confirm and treat the disorder before it becomes severe. 

Causes of TMJ Dysfunction

It’s often hard to pinpoint the specific root cause since every case is unique. But here are common causes:

  • Severe bruxism: Bruxism happens due to grinding, gnashing, or clenching the teeth subconsciously (for example, when sleeping) or consciously (when you’re awake). 
  • Damage or dislocation of the cartilage disc: The shock-absorbing cartilage disc may get dislocated or damaged due to bruxism or other injuries. This leads to difficulties in smooth jaw movement. 
  • Connective tissue disorder: Damage to the connecting ligaments may affect the joint’s functioning
  • Arthritis: Arthritis diseases may damage the cartilage lining. They include inflammatory, rheumatoid, or osteoarthritis.
  • Stress: Sometimes, stress may be accompanied by teeth clenching or tightening of facial muscles. The resultant pressure may lead to TMJ dislocation and injuries.
  • Malocclusion: It happens when the lower and upper teeth fail to fit well

Sure, some of the above factors are uncontrollable. But the following habits can put excess pressure on the facial muscles, TMJ, neck, and shoulder, worsening the TMJ condition:

  • Using the teeth as a bottle opener or similar tools
  • A nervous habit that involves chewing objects such as pens
  • Poor posture that causes stress around the neck and facial muscles
  • Conscious grinding of teeth during the daytime
  • Taking a mouthful of food, overworking the facial muscles
  • Chewing gum excessively
  • Lying on your stomach

TMJ Diagnosis

Your doctor can pinpoint the underlying cause of your TMD condition in the following ways:

1. Health history

TMJ symptoms can mimic other medical problems such as gum diseases, arthritis, tooth decay, and sinus issues. Your dentist will inquire about your jaw pain history. They’ll also ask if your mouth produces popping or cracking sounds when opening it. 

2. Physical examinations

Your TMJ dentist will examine your temporomandibular joints, jaw, and face. They will feel and gently press around these areas to pinpoint the exact region of discomfort and pain. 

The healthcare personnel will ask you to open, close, and move your mandible sideways. They’ll observe this range of movement closely to see if your jaws work as they should or lock. They’ll also listen keenly for any grating, cracking or popping sound. 

How far can you open your mouth? Your doctor will measure the mouth opening and observe any discomfort when you open and close your mouth.

The dentist may also ask you to take some bites (ranging in size). This test can easily reveal bite alignment and pain or discomfort if you have mandible or other jaw-related conditions. 

It’s also crucial to examine your teeth. The doctor may check for evidence of irregular teeth surface, displaced teeth, high filings, and other teeth-related issues. Grinding or clenching your teeth can help them here.

Facial muscles and muscles around your neck, shoulder, and arm can also give more hints. So your dentist should be experienced enough to check them. 

They may also liaise with other specialists to rule out or confirm other medical conditions. So you might be tested for ear disorders, nerve-related issues, headaches, infections, and other conditions. 

3. Dental X-rays

There may be a need to observe invisible dental structures such as jawbones, sinuses, and nerves. That’s where digital or traditional dental X-rays (radiographs) come in to help your dentist dive deeper into a dental issue and understand its root cause. 

Here, the dentist uses electromagnetic radiation to take your mouth’s photo. The beam penetrates your soft tissues to capture images of hidden structures such as jawbones and temporomandibular joints. 

This procedure reveals issues such as TMJ dysfunctions, regions of infection, and loss of bones in your jaw. So they can help rule out or confirm other underlying conditions. And after treatment procedures, the dentist may use X-rays to observe how you’re progressing. 

The following dental X-ray procedures are appropriate for temporomandibular joint disorder:

  • Panoramic x-rays

Your dentist can use panoramic X-rays to capture certain components of your mouth, such as teeth, jaw joints, supporting bones, and nerves. It gives them an overview of your TMJ or other dental conditions.

  • Cephalometric x-rays

This procedure allows the dentist to have a side view of your entire head. That way, they can see teeth location and jaw joints, allowing them to correct bites. 

4. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

While regular X-rays have helped solve teeth-related issues such as TMJ disorders, they often fail to reveal some structures. For instance, overlapping structures around the joint may hinder clear observation of the hidden parts. This limitation lies in the fact that regular X-rays only create flat 2D images.

CT scans come in to solve this issue. The CT machine will revolve around your head to take images of your jaw structures. It usually creates clearer, more precise, and detailed images of structures such as facial muscles, jaw bones, the temporomandibular joint, ligaments, and cartilage disc. Furthermore, your dentist can capture hundreds of images within a few minutes. 

They’ll guide you to prepare for the CT scan. Some general guidelines include:

  • Arrive as early as possible
  • Avoid eating 4 hours before the procedure
  • Take only clear liquids within 2 hours before the appointment
  • Avoid wearing uncomfortable clothes and metal jewelry.

The dentist may inject a contrast agent to highlight your affected TMJ and the surrounding regions. You might also drink a substance such as barium swallow to enhance your structures’ visibility, facilitating better diagnosis. 

Peeing flushes these contrast agents out within a day or two. Other preparation guidelines include:

  • Blood test: This procedure helps ensure the agent is safe.
  • Allergy medication: The contrast agent often has iodine. If you’re allergic to this substance, you’ll get antihistamine or steroid medication a few hours before the injection.
  • Contrast solution: Follow your dentist’s direction when taking this solution. 
  • Diet restrictions: To avoid nausea from the contrast agent, take only clear liquids (such as water, soft drinks, and juices) four hours before your appointment. 

While the whole procedure takes about 60 minutes, scanning takes less than 15 minutes- preparation gulps down a huge chunk of the time. Once your dentist confirms the images are OK, you can return home. 

5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is another painless imaging technique that can help diagnose your TMJ disorder. It employs a computer, magnet, and radio waves to create detailed and clear images of your jawbones, head, or entire body. 

MRI procedures don’t use any radiation. Therefore, they’re great for patients who require frequent imaging without exposure to harmful rays. 

There are two types of MRI machines:

  • Open bore MRI: In this machine, you enter the large space between two flat magnets- say goodbye to the claustrophobic feeling that comes with closed MRI. But open MRI images are less clear.
  • Closed-bore MRI: Here, you enter inside a hollow tube of a magnet. While the narrower space might spike anxiety, the machine produces a top-quality image of your head or body. A sedative might help you relax. 

The contrast agent (containing Gadolinium) alters surrounding water molecules’ magnetic properties to help create clearer images of infections, blood vessels, tissues, TMJ, and other surrounding organs.  

6. TMJ arthroscopy

Your medical provider may also suggest arthroscopy to understand the issue in your TMJs structures. They use an arthroscope to view the organs without making large incisions. 

This surgical procedure can help diagnose TMJ-related issues such as arthritis, jaw pains, and torn ligaments, tendons, or cartilage. It’s great if non-surgical procedures such as braces, medications, or splints don’t work. 

You must prepare and follow your doctor’s guidelines. For instance, tell them if you have allergies, take certain medications, or use blood thinners. 

TMJ Treatment

The right remedy for your case depends on the root cause and pain severity. Your healthcare provider may first use non-invasive options such as medications. If symptoms persist, surgical interventions can bring you much-needed relief.

1. Pain relievers

A TMJ disorder often causes mild, medium, or severe pains. So painkillers can offer relief from the pain. 

You may use over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to ease pain from arthritis, headaches, migraines, toothaches, jaw ache, and other TMJ-related pains. OTC medications include:

  • Acetaminophen: They dull your nervous system’s pain receptors, easing your pain. 
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the generation of prostaglandins, which usually irritate nerve endings.
  • Topical: Smear, spray, or patch the medication directly on the skin where you feel pain.  

Is the pain too stubborn to disappear? Your doctor may prescribe drugs that offer stronger relief. Such prescription medications include:

  • Anti-depressants: Anti-depressants such as tricyclics work on neurotransmitters to relieve you from chronic pain. 
  • Opioids: In rare cases (due to their addictive nature), your healthcare provider may suggest opioids such as fentanyl and codeine. These medications alter your brain’s perception of pain. 
  • Steroids: Like NSAIDs, these powerful anti-inflammatory medications stop the production of irritant chemicals. They’re great for severe pain from issues such as severe arthritis and back pain. 
  • Topical: Stronger topicals like lidocaine are great prescription drugs to apply on the area above the affected joint.

Your doctor may also recommend a combination of OTC plus prescription drugs for better treatment.

2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Whenever those TMJ-related headaches, arthritis, and jaw pains act up, reaching for an NSAID might give you much-needed relief. These medications stop the generation of certain inflammation-causing body chemicals. 

They’re excellent for dealing with pain that comes with arthritis and other conditions that slowly damage your tissues. The common types include:

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen sodium 

If the above drugs’ brand names are expensive, you can choose the less expensive generic options. It’s also possible to get non-prescription strength, OTC NSAIDs.

3. Muscle relaxers

Muscle relaxers are great if you contend with teeth-grinding or clenching habits (maybe due to stress or subconsciously). These drugs are usually prescription-based in the US. They include:

  • Carisoprodol
  • Orphenadrine
  • Metaxalone
  • Chlorzoxazone
  • Orphenadrine

Most of these drugs block pain signals to the brain or cause sedative effects. They come as injections, tablets, capsules, or solutions.

4. Anti-depressants

As we saw, stress and depression might lead to teeth clenching or tightening of facial muscles. Some people might even eat huge chunks of food due to stress. That’s why anti-depressants are great TMJ treatment options.

Anti-depressants can help treat various depression-related conditions, such as:

  • Bulimia
  • Bipolar depression
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder etc

The lower the stress, the lower your teeth-clenching habits. And that’s how you can spit TMJ disorder out of your mouth.

But while anti-depressants help deal with symptoms of depression, you need to address the underlying causes. That’s why your doctor may recommend psychotherapy on top of them. 

5. Mouth guard

Your doctor may also recommend mouthguard appliances to cover your teeth and prevent further damage to your jaw joints. While most fit over the upper teeth, you can get those for lower teeth. 

So, when can a mouth guard help you prevent or alleviate pain from TMJ disorder? It’s useful if you:

  • Clench or grind your teeth subconsciously
  • Do risky games or activities such as biking
  • Play football. Boxing and other contact games

Sports people can wear mouthguards for sports to prevent injuries when on the field. You’re looking for wins, not injuries. And if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, your doctor can recommend a suitable guard that you can wear anywhere, anytime. 

6. Physical therapy

tmj physical therapy

Physical exercises are powerful remedies to TMJ dysfunction. They can alleviate pain, boost TMJ mobility, and strengthen jaw muscles. While anyone can perform these exercises at home, seeking your doctor’s guidance is recommended. Here are common ones:

  • Jaw relaxation

Set aside 2-5 minutes daily to do this amazing exercise. Gently place your tongue on your palate behind the upper incisors. Avoid clenching your teeth. Run your tongue’s tip backward as far as possible.

While your tongue is in that position, open your mouth comfortably. Maintain that posture for 5 seconds, then close the mouth.

Repeat the steps slowly and firmly for around six more times. A popping sound may escape your mouth when you open it fully.

  • Goldfish exercise 

Relax your tongue on your palate roof and place a finger at the TMJ’s spot. Place another finger on the chin. Open your mouth halfway (partial opening) or fully (full opening) and close it. You’ll feel a slight resistance. 

Alternatively, place a finger on the TMJ. Then drop the mandibular halfway (or fully) and close your mouth. Repeat the exercise at least six times a day.

7. Trigger Point Injections (TPI)

Acute trauma or stress can cause muscle fibers around your TMJ to get stuck in a contracted state. The issue may result in painful knots and other problems such as tension headaches. Your doctor may employ dry TPIs or those with injection substances (such as botulinum toxin) to deal with these knots. 

If your myofascial pain from the trigger points (knots) hasn’t responded to other treatments, TPIs might be the best option. The doctor might also use it alongside physical therapy to relieve your pain. 

Has the intense pain prevented you from doing physical therapy? TPIs can alleviate the suffering, allowing you to proceed with the therapy. 

Other non-surgical treatments for TMJ disorder include:

  • Ultrasound therapy: Your medical provider will use sound waves to deliver heat into the TMJ and surrounding structures. It improves blood flow and relaxes your muscles.
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): They can also employ low-voltage electrical current to achieve the relaxation
  • Behavioral changes: Lifestyle change works magic in many conditions. Regarding TMJ disorder, habits such as improved posture and the right use of teeth help avoid or treat the condition.

8. Surgical TMJ Treatment

Sometimes, TMJ dysfunction requires surgical treatment. Here are the most common ones:

  • Arthrocentesis (Joint Aspiration)

Reduction in synovial fluid can lead to cartilage inflammation due to frequent joint movement. An accumulation of fluid in the joint can cause swelling and pain, limiting your ability to open and close your mouth. 

So the doctor may use arthrocentesis to discover the underlying causes of your joint soreness and relieve the pain. The procedure involves using a thin needle to eliminate fluid from your TMJ. 

After that, they inject anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids into the TMJ to relieve the pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. This medication can also slow the future accumulation of fluid in the TMJ. 

Most patients who contend with tendonitis and arthritis find relief from this surgery. However, you might need to return for the same treatment in the future due to re-accumulation of fluids. 

  • TMJ Arthroscopy

TMJ arthroscopy is a procedure that involves opening a small hole in the skin covering the affected TMJ. They then insert a cannula (a narrow tube) through the incision into your TMJ. 

They can insert an arthroscope (a device with a camera and light) through the cannula to observe your joint. Next, the doctor inserts tiny surgical tools through the cannula to perform specific surgeries, such as repositioning the cartilage disk or removing scar tissue.  

Often, recovery time takes less than seven days since the procedure is less intrusive. Arthroscopy also helps the dentist to perform complex procedures like reshaping your joint and relieving your sore. 

  • Open-joint surgery

More severe cases may need open-joint surgery. They include:

  • Excess tissue that prevents seamless TMJ movement
  • Fusion of various tissues and structures (ankylosis)
  • Inaccessibility of the joint area using arthroscopy

This surgery helps the dentist to conduct complex procedures such as removing excess tissues, dealing with bony growth, and repositioning the disc. Discectomy might be necessary if the disc is unrepairable. In case of bony growth or diseased bones, the surgeon may remove some of them. 

While you’ll need more time to recover from this procedure, it has a higher success rate. In fact, it can boost the range of motion and alleviate pain by 61% and 71%, respectively.

9. Home remedies and practices

Minor TMD cases don’t require prescribed drugs, surgical procedures, and other advanced treatment options. Apart from exercises and OTC medication, here are other home remedies with significant effects:

  • Avoid wide jaw motions

It helps to maintain a comfortable jaw position when opening your mouth to yawn, eat, sing, yell etc. So ensure your facial muscles stay relaxed and avoid opening your mouth beyond a comfortable size. 

  • Adopt the right posture.

A poor sitting posture can trigger jaw pains and other medical complications, especially if you usually sit for long periods. So always take frequent breaks from work and use a chair with back support. 

If you’re a long-distance or frequent driver, ensure the seat is upright. Sitting upright is also important when reading or watching TV. 

  • Get enough high-quality sleep.

Sleep is crucial for your overall health. Lie on your back (instead of your stomach) and support the neck with a pillow. Avoid putting your hand on the jaws if your sleeping style is on your side.

  • Avoid stress

Use techniques like yoga, meditation, gardening, and mindfulness to loosen up. Your muscles, too, will thank you for making them happy. 

  • Shed off bad habits gradually.

Some habits can worsen TMJ dysfunction. Some of the tendencies to take note include:

  • Biting your nail
  • Clenching your jaw muscles or teeth
  • Holding your chin in your hands

Let’s face it- Shedding off these habits won’t happen in a day. Instead, visit your doctor to identify them and discuss how to overcome them gradually. 

  • Stay clear of certain foods and activities.

Some foods and activities are enemies to your condition since they force your jaws to move or open extremely. So stay away from:

  • Hard foods
  • Yelling or yawning
  • Biting huge amounts of food

Also, avoid foods that prolong your chewing session, such as chewing gum. 

FAQ

1. Is TMJ disorder preventable?

While you cannot avoid some risk factors of TMJ dysfunction, reducing your risk is possible. Behavioral and lifestyle changes are great ways to keep this issue at bay. They include the following:

  • Wear a mouth guard when sleeping to prevent unconscious clenching or grinding 
  • Wear a sports mouth guard before playing contact sports
  • Reduce stress through techniques such as mindfulness 
  • Be mindful of your sleeping posture

2. What should I expect if I suffer from TMJ disorder?

The effects of TMJ dysfunction range from mild to severe. You can recover quickly within a few days or weeks, sometimes even without medical intervention. But in severe cases, the condition can affect your life’s quality.

If you contend with recurring facial pain, jaw pain, and other TMJ-related symptoms, rush to the nearest physician. They’ll advise you on the best treatment option to arrest the issue.

3. How long does TMJ disorder last?

A mild TMJ dysfunction can last from 1-2 weeks and disappear on its own. But a chronic case may persist for months or years. Fortunately, the right treatment and behavioral changes can help you bid it farewell.

4. Is TMJ dysfunction curable?

Yes. The right medication, physiotherapy, surgeries, or other treatment options can help cure this condition. Your healthcare provider may also suggest combining these options for quicker results. 

5. When should I see a dentist or physician?

Visit a qualified healthcare provider if you experience persistent TMJ symptoms such as jaw pains, migraines, facial muscle pain, and difficulty chewing or yawning. They can help identify your exact root cause and determine your case’s right course of action. 

Bid Farewell to Your TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a common disease that can affect anyone. Its symptoms include jaw pain, toothache, tinnitus, earaches, and clicking. And the root causes range from stress to jaw injury, malocclusion, and bruxism. Fortunately, your healthcare provider can determine the right treatment option depending on your symptoms and causes.

Are you looking to kick this condition out of your life for good? The trick is to address its root cause instead of pruning off symptoms. TMJ Relax helps you to do so. You can now rely on this cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment to treat your TMJ disorder. Find a TMJ Relax provider near you to see if you’re the solution’s right candidate. 

10 Important Facts About TMJ Disorder You Shouldn’t Ignore

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10 facts about tmj pain, Dental, tmj pain

If you’ve been having frequent jaw pain, ear issues, headaches, muscle aches, or facial pressure, these symptoms could indicate a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This condition affects the mandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. For context, everybody has a pair of temporomandibular joints (TMJ), on either side of their jaw. These joints facilitate the daily utilization of your mouth.

If the joints are diseased or impacted by trauma, structural abnormalities, etc., the results are headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. You may also experience popping sounds and limited jaw movement that impacts everyday oral activities. Proper diagnosis and treatment are necessary to alleviate these symptoms and restore normal jaw function. Keep reading as we discuss ten facts about the TMJ disorder you should know, including associated symptoms, possible causes, diagnosis, and available treatment options.

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

TMJ disorders affect the joints that connect the jawbone (mandible) to the skull on each side of the face. These joints allow for the movement of the jaw, enabling actions such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMJ disorder can have different causes, and symptoms/pain range from mild to severe.

The condition is more prevalent in women than men, a fact that may be attributed to hormonal factors, as fluctuating hormone levels during menstrual cycles and pregnancy can affect the jaw joint. This disorder is also observed in individuals between the ages of 35 and 44 due to increased stress levels, jaw overuse or trauma, and the cumulative effects of wear and tear on the joint over time.

Possible Causes and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

TMD affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. While its exact causes are not always apparent, several factors, like jaw misalignment, teeth grinding or clenching, stress, arthritis, and jaw injury, can contribute to the development of this disorder. TMJ pain varies in intensity and frequency from person to person, but there are symptoms associated with the condition, including:

  • Jaw pain: This is the most prevalent symptom of TMD. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can be localized to the jaw joint or spread to the surrounding areas; for instance, the face, temples, or ears. The pain may be constant or intermittent and worsens with jaw movement, such as chewing or talking.
  • Jaw clicking or popping: Many individuals with TMD experience clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they open or close their mouths. The displacement or misalignment of the temporomandibular joint causes these sounds. Clicking or popping may be accompanied by jaw pain or a sensation of the jaw joint getting stuck.
  • Limited jaw movement: TMD can lead to difficulty or discomfort when fully opening or closing the mouth. Some sufferers may find that their jaw locks temporarily, either in an open or closed position. This locking can be painful and may require manual manipulation or relaxation techniques to unlock the jaw.
  • Headaches: Pain can vary in intensity and location, but it is often felt as a dull ache in the temples or forehead. Individuals with TMD frequently report having tension headaches and migraines.
  • Ear-related symptoms: TMD can cause several symptoms, including ear pain, a sensation of pressure in the ears, or tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in the ears. Some patients experience a spinning sensation known as vertigo, usually accompanied by a loss of balance. It can be related to the temporomandibular joint dysfunction affecting the inner ear.
  • Facial muscle tension: People with TMD may have muscle tension or spasms in the facial muscles, particularly in the jaw area. It can contribute to jaw pain and limited jaw movement. Facial muscle tension can also lead to discomfort in other areas of the face, like the cheeks or temples.

Note, these symptoms can be confused with other conditions, it therefore helps to confer with a specialist for a proper diagnosis. Treatment options for TMD may include lifestyle changes, pain management techniques, physical therapy, and surgical interventions. TMJ pain can negatively impact a person’s quality of life, causing discomfort, pain, and limitations in simple daily activities such as eating.

When the aching is too intense, it can even hinder one’s ability to speak by causing discomfort and difficulty in moving the jaw, which is essential for articulating words clearly. If you suspect you have TMJ disorder, seek professional evaluation from your dentist and work together to create a care plan that will get you back to feeling your best. They’ll assess your symptoms, determine the underlying causes, and recommend appropriate treatment tailored to your needs.

10 Most Surprising Facts About TMJ Disorder You Shouldn’t Ignore

1. There is no one specific cause of TMJ pain.

As discussed, TMD does not stem from a single underlying cause but rather can result from a combination of factors. These factors include sources like head injuries, arthritis, and behavioral habits including teeth grinding or clenching. Identifying the cause of TMJ pain requires careful examination and consideration of the individual’s medical history and habits to determine the contributing factors and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

2. Stress and anxiety are common contributors to TMJ dysfunction.

These two are the body’s reaction to a threat and are well-known factors that contribute to TMJ dysfunction. When a person experiences high stress or anxiety levels, it can present in physical and psychological ways. A common manifestation is through teeth clenching or grinding, known as bruxism, which occurs unconsciously, especially during sleep or times of heightened stress. The excessive force exerted on the teeth and jaw during teeth grinding can lead to TMJ dysfunction.

Stress and anxiety also disrupt sleep patterns, which brings about poor sleep quality or sleep disorders. Bruxism, often associated with stress, can be more prevalent during sleep, and repeated teeth grinding can exacerbate TMJ disorder—this results in morning jaw pain and stiffness, further contributing to TMJ dysfunction.

3. Misaligned neck vertebrae can contribute to TMJ pain.

TMJ pain can develop as a response to chronic musculoskeletal disorders involving the spine. When the spine comes out of alignment, it can cause discomfort throughout the body, including the temporomandibular joint. It creates tension and imbalance in the surrounding muscles, affecting the alignment and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Also, if the neck vertebrae aren’t correctly aligned, it can lead to changes in stance and muscle imbalances that can affect the mechanics of the jaw, resulting in TMJ pain.

Neck misalignment also affects the nerves that innervate the jaw and surrounding structures, thus worsening TMJ pain. The nerves that supply the TMJ and the neck are interconnected, and when the neck vertebrae are misaligned, it can culminate in nerve irritation and referred pain in the jaw joint.

Addressing the misalignment in the neck vertebrae through chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate TMJ pain. Appropriate treatments will help restore proper alignment, reduce muscle tension, and relieve pressure on the nerves that contribute to TMJ discomfort.

4. TMJ pain can disrupt sleep patterns

The pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders can be agonizing enough to interrupt an individual’s sleep and prevent them from entering into deep restorative sleep phases. TMJ disorders cause teeth grinding or clenching during sleep; the associated tensions exacerbate sleep disturbances and contribute to sleep deprivation. This results in the occurrence of insomnia, causing individuals to struggle with falling asleep or maintaining sleep, further leading to daytime fatigue or grogginess due to inadequate rest. Ongoing sleep disruptions evolve into chronic conditions that can negatively impact a person’s physical and mental health.

5. “TMJ” refers to the specific joint, not the disorder itself.

The term “TMJ” is sometimes mistaken to mean the disorder when in fact it should be used to refer to the temporomandibular joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. The disorder associated with this joint is referred to as TMD or temporomandibular disorder, which encompasses various conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

6. Temporomandibular joint disorders can cause referred pain in other body parts.

TMJ disorders can lead to pain that is felt in different body regions/parts due to a phenomenon known as referred pain. Even though the issue originates in the jaw joint, TMD patients may also suffer from headaches, migraines, neck and shoulder soreness, earaches, or sinus pressure.

7. TMJ disorder affects the full range of motion during speech.

The disorder causes a dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint, resulting in impaired jaw movement and affecting the coordination of facial muscles involved in speech. These conditions manifest through symptoms like soreness, pain, and numbness, which limit the normal range of jaw and facial muscle movement required for effective verbal communication.

8. TMJ pain and bruxism are known to coexist.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is commonly associated with TMJ disorder. It’s unclear whether bruxism leads to TMJ or vice versa, but factors are involved in their development and subsequent progression. For instance, the repetitive grinding or clenching of teeth during bruxism strains the TMJ enough to cause pain and dysfunction.

TMJ disorder itself can also contribute to the development or exacerbation of bruxism. When the jaw joint is affected by misalignment, inflammation, or trauma, it can cause discomfort or pain. In response, the body involuntarily grinds or clenches the teeth as a subconscious attempt to alleviate the discomfort or achieve a more comfortable jaw position.

9. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage TMJ pain.

Consuming an anti-inflammatory diet containing soft, easily chewable meals like eggs, fish, and pureed fruit can reduce discomfort in the temporomandibular joint. When combined with proper treatment, this dietary approach may provide much-needed relief.

10. Relief for TMJ pain is available.

Treatment for TMD sufferers can be anything from physical therapy and chiropractic care to orthodontic solutions and oral surgery. You can work toward finding a suitable solution by first identifying the root cause of your TMJ pain.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment

TMJ is diagnosed through undergoing a medical history evaluation, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The process involves assessing symptoms, examining the jaw’s range of motion, and checking for signs of inflammation or abnormalities in the jaw joint. X-rays, CT scans, or MRI tests may be performed to get a clearer view of the affected mandibular joint and surrounding structures.

Treatment for TMJ disorder depends on the severity of symptoms. Non-invasive approaches like physical therapy, wearing orthopedic devices, and lifestyle changes are often the first line of defense. Physical therapy for TMJ disorder combines manual therapy techniques and patient education to improve jaw mobility, alleviate pain, and address underlying muscle imbalances or joint dysfunction. These jaw exercises and stretching techniques, including heat or cold therapy, can help promote relaxation and proper jaw alignment.

Wearing orthopedic devices such as TMJ Relax®, specifically designed to treat TMJ disorders by supporting and stabilizing the jaw joint, can promote alignment and reduce stress on the mandibular joint. These devices help alleviate symptoms like jaw pain, muscle tension, and teeth grinding by repositioning the jaw for improved jaw function. Surgery may be considered in cases where physical therapy and orthopedic devices don’t provide relief. It’s, therefore, advisable to speak with a dental practitioner or oral surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment for your case.

Speak to a TMJ Specialist near you

TMDs affect more than 10 million Americans, based on studies by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; but relief is possible with the right TMJ treatment options. If you’re experiencing TMJ pain,  TMJ Relax can help. The device developed by Dr. Charles Sutera, a renowned TMJ specialist in the U.S, has been instrumental in creating a non-invasive and reliable treatment of a common underlying cause of TMJ symptoms, which is a misaligned bite.

The FDA-cleared TMJ Relax orthopedic device is created for your jaw based on TMJ Relax’s unique RightBite protocol to help your jawbone rest in an optimized, pain-free position. The device has also been approved to mitigate TMJ symptoms like headaches, teeth grinding, and muscle tension. Regardless of age or how far your pain has progressed, TMJ Relax is a treatment approach worth considering.