There are several things you need to know about TMJ or temporomandibular joint syndrome. This joint connects the jaw to the skull. When it is damaged or injured, there can be jaw pain in that area. We call the disorder TMJ. It is also called TMD, which stands for temporomandibular disorder. Your dentist in Vancouver ca discuss this issue with you as well as your health practitioner
Causes of TMJ Disorders
There are several cases of TMJ. Some of these causes include the following:
- Problems with arthritis
- Gum chewing
- Issues with stress
- Poor posture
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Misalignment of the jaw or the teeth.
Symptoms of TMJ
There are various symptoms for this disorder that you need to know about the include some of the following:
- Headaches
- Pain in the jaw
- Earache or ear pain
- Ears that produce popping sounds
- Sore or stiff jaw muscles
- Pain around the temple
- A locking jaw joint
Treatment Options
There are various treatment options for the disorder. You can use NSAIDs, which are over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are quite common for treating this condition. Learn how to stretch your neck and jaw, which will help to reduce issues with pain. You should avoid chewing any type of gum, and you might want to massage the area. You should also manage your stress, which should help alleviate symptoms.
Physical therapy can also help as well as prescription medications as well as injections of Botox. Your physician will look at the condition to determine the severity of it. If no other treatment options are going to work for you, surgery may be recommended. Most people that are diagnosed with the condition usually can manage it at home with home remedies and regular self-care. It is still important to have the issue addressed by a physician as there might be other underlying conditions that are causing your problems. Your dental clinic in Vancouver can direct you to a physician if your jaw pain needs to be examined by a professional.
Pain Management
To manage TMJ pain, you might want to try the following daily practices:
- Eat food that is softer
- Avoid extreme movements of your jaw
- Apply ice packs whenever you feel pain
- Reduce your stress levels as much as possible
- Learn relaxation techniques
- Gently stretch your jaw so that the movement improves.
Regarding jaw stretching exercises, you can speak to your doctor about various exercises that can help reduce pain. A chiropractor can also help you because they are experts on joints and muscles can help your reduce jaw pain.
Statistics
If you have chronic pain conditions, the prevalence of TMJ is around 5% to 12%. The disorder is higher among younger individuals. It is twice as prevalent for women as for men. It is considered to be the second most common musculoskeletal condition that results in disability and pain. 5% to10% of the population is impacted by it. The only other condition that has a higher prevalence is lower back pain. When someone seeks treatment for TMJ, it is estimated that around 15% of these cases will develop chronic TMJ.
Conclusion
TMD or TMJ is quite common. It can be managed at home quite effectively with proper pain management. You should speak to your physician about the condition so that your individual issue can be diagnosed. In some cases, you may be given medication, or if there is a serious issue, surgery may be recommended. Speak to your dentist in Vancouver during your visit if you are having jaw pain so the issue can be addressed right away.
