Temporomandibular Joint disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting the jawbone to the skull. Disorders of this joint can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.
The exact cause of TMJ disorders is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis or jaw injury. Some people who have jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth (bruxism), although many people habitually clench or grind their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
- Pain or tenderness of the jaw
- Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
- Aching pain in and around the ear
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
- TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and examine your jaw. He or she will probably:
- Listen to and feel your jaw when you open and close your mouth
- Observe the range of motion in your jaw
- Press on areas around your jaw to identify sites of pain or discomfort.
Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Pain
- Oral splints or mouth guards (occlusal appliances).
- Physical therapy. Along with exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, treatments might include ultrasound, moist heat and ice.
- Muscle relaxants. These types of drugs are sometimes used for a few days or weeks to help relieve pain caused by TMJ disorders created by muscle spasms.
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.
- Acupuncture
Fortunately, for those suffering from TMJ, acupuncture is extremely helpful in relieving the inflammation, pain and tension commonly associated with the condition. Patients with acute pain can experience immediate relief in a few treatments, with more chronic conditions taking a series of treatments over several weeks.
Acupuncture relieves muscle spasms and decreases pain and swelling, releasing the jaw naturally for the joint to move freely. Additional points help flush toxins, boost immunity, calm the mind and balance the other systems within the body such as digestion and sleep.
Leave a Reply