The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint helps in chewing, speaking, and general opening of the mouth. TMJ disorder, or TMD, is the pain in one or both of these joints and muscles that control jaw movement. Your Gaithersburg TMJ specialist at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center can help if you are battling pain caused by TMJ disorders.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder include pain or tenderness of your jaw in one or both of the temporomandibular joints, in and around your ear, facial pain, and pain while chewing. In addition to pain, signs and symptoms of a TMJ disorder may include difficulty chewing, headache, tenderness in the jaw, jaw locking that makes it difficult to close or open the mouth, a clicking sound or grating sensation when you chew or open your mouth.
Causes
The temporomandibular joint combines a hinge action with sliding motions. The two movements help you to speak and chew. The parts of the bones that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage. A small shock-absorbing disk separates the bones and this helps to keep the movement smooth.
The TMJ is susceptible to damage due to its complex nature and regular use. Examples of damages include cartilage damage from arthritis, acute trauma such as head blows, and wearing out or misalignment of the disc. This damage causes painful TMJ disorder. However, sometimes the exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder is unclear and difficult to determine since the pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, jaw injury, or arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, chronic grinding and clenching of teeth, jaw injuries, and various connective tissue diseases may increase the risk of developing TMJ disorders.
Diagnosis of TMJ Disorders
In case you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, your primary health care provider will be in charge of doing diagnostics and potentially refer you for physical therapy for TMJ jaw pain so you can get the right help for your condition.
To understand the extent of your TMJ disorder, your physician will perform a thorough physical exam. Afterward, your medical history will be reviewed. Sometimes an X-Ray or MRI of your jaw area might be required. After assessing your condition, the best treatment is recommended.
Treatment of TMJ Disorders
Methods of treatment include corrective dental treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), oral medications, botox injections, and steroid injections. Many dental clinics also offer TMJ treatment customized for you, based on the severity of your condition. Surgery may be required in severe cases of TMJ. Severe cases are those that do not improve with treatment. Home treatment, such as self-massage and relaxation techniques, can help to reduce muscle tension and pain.
When to see a doctor
It is essential to do more research on TMJ disorders to learn first-aid techniques for when you experience pain. Seek medical attention if you notice your TMJ pain persists despite home care or if you cannot open or close your jaw completely. Your health care provider or a TMJ specialist will then discuss possible causes and treatments for your problem.
To find relief from TMJ pain, book an appointment with CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center LLC today.
