Headache Management & TMJ Care
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint TMJ connects the jawbone to your skull. It is a ball and socket joint located at the back of the jawbone on both sides of the face. The temporomandibular joint consists of muscles, discs, ligaments, and bones that enable jaw movement.
The temporomandibular joint syndrome occurs when the jaw fails to function. The ligaments and muscles present in the joint become irritated and inflamed, causing pain.
The joint dysfunction can be acute or chronic, the latter having severe effects. The pain experienced in most cases of temporomandibular disorder can be managed through self-care and other non-surgical treatments.
Many people suffer from chronic pain associated with Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ). This is also known as Temporomandibular Dysfunction and Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). This is a common problem afflicting more than 40 million people. These symptoms include:
- Headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Unexplained loose teeth
- Pain in face or neck
- Congested stuffy ears
- Numbness in the fingers or arms
- Limited jaw opening or locking
- Insomnia or depression
- Tooth pain
- Snoring or sleep apnea
- Cracking or breaking of teeth or dental work
What Does Temporomandibular Joint Pain Feel Like?
The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible to the temporal bone right in front of the ear. It lies in a central position behind a nerve that forms the center of other nerves crossing through the head, neck, and face. Damage to the joint can lead to pain in the various areas connected by those nerves.
The signs and symptoms of TMJ muscle disorders include:
- Pain in the jaw while chewing, yawning, or talking. The pain usually starts at the joint then spreads to other parts such as the neck, and shoulders.
- Headaches and dizziness could lead to vomiting or nausea.
- Pain in the ear or tinnitus, a disturbing ringing in the ears.
- Grating, popping, or clicking sounds emerge when you open your mouth or chew.
- The face and mouth swell.
- Insomnia.
- The jaws lock or have a limited range of motion when opening your mouth.
- Sleep apnea and snoring.
- Numbness in the arms or fingers.
- Cracking or breaking of teeth.
- Facial pain
The symptoms of acute TMD can wear off at least a few weeks after the cause of discomfort has resolved. Chronic TMJ disorder can last for months or years without end.
If you experience any of the symptoms of TMD, visit us to get treatment.
What Happens If Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Are Left Untreated?
Your jaw is one of the most complex and active joints in the body, performing multiple tasks such as yawning, talking and chewing. Such activities can worsen your TMJ disorders and cause orofacial pain and discomfort. Failure to seek medical assistance from an experienced specialist such as Dr. Rodgers could bring about oral and maxillofacial complications. The jaw pain can worsen if left untreated for a while.
Using over-the-counter and pain relievers to relieve chronic pain in the temporomandibular joints will not help. People who have TMJ disorders turn to alcohol and drug abuse to alleviate the constant pain they experience.
Sleep bruxism and the pain that comes with it can cause insomnia and other sleep disorders if left untreated. The signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders can cause depression and affect your performance, quality of life, and personal relationships.
Patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders often show wear and tear on their teeth. Clenching or grinding your jaw can damage your dental health and cause dental issues that are costly to repair.
Patients prefer taking only soft foods, liquids or generally avoiding food to get around the pain of TMD. That leads to malnourishment or the onset of eating disorders to the patient.
Untreated TMJ symptoms can also cause permanent damage to your jaw muscles, vision, and hearing.
These symptoms can be very frustrating for patients, as they have not found relief from other medical providers and have “learned to live with it.” We use the same computerized analysis that has been used in medicine for years. The goal of these tests is to provide individual and precise treatment plans that most often lead to the elimination of pain. The underlying cause of pain is muscular. There are many components that may contribute to this complex condition. While there may be a biochemical and emotional component, a structural imbalance creates disharmony between teeth, jaw position, and the muscles that control the lower jaw. Many people suffer from this chronic illness. While some do not experience pain, they may have worn, chipped or broken teeth, or fillings. These individuals can also benefit from treatment.
What Is the Main Cause of Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome?
Temporomandibular disorder can be caused by several factors, most common habits, or medical conditions.
The most common cause of TMD is bruxism, a condition characterized by regular grinding of teeth and clenching the jaw. Bruxism can occur unknowingly while asleep or during the day when reacting to feelings of stress and anxiety. Grinding or clenching your jaw not only causes TMJ disorder but also wears down your teeth, erodes the enamel, and causes misalignment of the jaw.
TMJ pain is caused by muscular problems, emotional and biochemical factors. The other causes of TMD include acute trauma, an improper bite, rheumatoid arthritis, and dislocation of the disc that exists between the joints.
Which Treatments Are Available for Temporomandibular Disorders?
At Dr. Molly Rodgers Dental, we conduct tests that will enable us to provide specific treatment plans for every individual to alleviate pain. Our treatment plans range from self-care and other conservative options to open surgery.
Experts in the medical field agree that TMD patients should start with self-care practices and only consider surgery as the last option.
Examples of self-care practices that would help in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders in adults include;
- Eating soft foods.
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and other medication.
- Applying ice packs or moist heat.
- Wearing a night guard before going to sleep.
- Avoid extreme jaw movements such as chewing gum.
- Doing corrective dental treatments.
The doctor may prescribe pain medications for your jaw joint pain and give you medical advice on how to prevent its reoccurrence.
Other treatment options such as ultrasound, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, and Botox injections can work if the conservative methods do not. Joint surgery can only work when all other treatment options are ineffective.
You should weigh all your options of oral pain relief carefully before landing on a treatment method.
Can TMJ Disorders Go Away on Their Own?
TMJ symptoms caused by lifestyle choices and high-stress levels can subside. You only have to reduce stress and make a few lifestyle changes to heal.
Temporomandibular disorders caused by other serious factors will require medical attention to subside.
Ignoring the TMJ disorder symptoms for too long with the hope that they will go away will only cause more problems. Visit us to get a proper diagnosis and receive treatment for your jaw.
Call us For a Consultation
If you or a loved one suffers from TMJ pain, we invite you to call Dr. Rodgers. For your convenience, we offer complimentary consultations so you can come in and discuss your concerns with Dr. Rodgers.