About TMJ and How to Reduce the Symptoms

 

What Is TMJ and what causes It?

 

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a group of conditions that can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Some common causes of TMJ disorders include:

1.      Arthritis: Arthritis can cause inflammation in the TMJ, leading to pain and limited jaw movement.

2.      Trauma or injury: A blow to the jaw or other trauma to the head and neck can cause TMJ disorders.

3.      Teeth grinding (bruxism): Clenching and grinding the teeth, especially at night, can put a lot of strain on the TMJ and lead to pain and other symptoms.

4.      Misalignment of the bite: If the upper and lower teeth do not come together properly when the jaw is closed (malocclusion), it can put excess strain on the TMJ and cause pain and other symptoms.

5.      Stress and anxiety can cause people to clench their teeth and put extra strain on the TMJ, leading to pain and other symptoms.

6.      Other factors: Certain habits, such as resting the chin on the hand or holding the phone between the shoulder and ear, can put a strain on the TMJ and contribute to the development of TMJ disorders. In rare cases, TMJ disorders may be caused by structural abnormalities in the jaw or TMJ itself.

 

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

 

The signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can vary widely and may include the following:

1.      Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or around the ear

2.      Limited jaw movement or difficulty opening and closing the mouth

3.      A popping or clicking sound when moving the jaw

4.      A feeling of irritation or grinding when moving the jaw

5.      Headaches or neck aches

6.      Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

7.      Facial swelling

8.      Dizziness

9.      Difficulty swallowing or speaking

If experiencing any of these symptoms, you must speak with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

 

What steps should I take to get evaluated for a temporomandibular joint disorder?

 

If you think you may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider.

 

Here are some steps you can take to get checked for TMJ:

1.      Make an appointment with your primary care provider or a dentist. They can assess your symptoms and determine if further evaluation is necessary.

2.      During the appointment, your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also ask you to open and close your mouth and move your jaw in different directions to check for pain, tenderness, and range of motion.

3.      Your healthcare provider may also order additional tests to help diagnose your condition. These may include x-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan to get a detailed view of the jaw and surrounding structures.

4.      Based on the examination results and any tests, your healthcare provider will determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan, including sending you to see a massage therapist trained in SFH Intraoral TMJ. A trained massage therapist can precisely work on the jaw, releasing muscle tension and helping with joint decompression and pain. Furthermore, they may suggest medications that manage pain and inflammation, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications such as avoiding certain habits that strain the TMJ. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to repair or reconstruct the jaw joint.

 

 Original source URL - https://seminarsforhealth.wordpress.com/2023/01/12/about-tmj-and-how-to-reduce-the-symptoms/

 

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