In many cases, facial pain is akin to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is a joint that links the upper bones with the lower bones. If this joint stops functioning properly, it could be the symptoms of TMJ disorder and the sufferer should asap consult a specialized doctor for the right treatment.
Treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder affects umpteen people across the globe. It appears in the form of severe jaw pain. However, TMJ can affect your body in many ways. It can go far beyond the normal jaw pain. TMJ disorder at times can be utterly damaging and, however, can limit your daily lifestyle.
If you are experiencing jaw pain, it could be a sign of TMJ disorder. Rather than getting anxious, it is good to learn what causes TMJ disorder and what are the right temporomandibular joint disorder treatment options.
Causes
The issue appears when the temporomandibular joint starts dysfunctioning. It should work smoothly, but when the issue takes place the cartilage that covers the bones between the joints can be painful. Various things can cause TMJ. It can be-
- an injury to the jaw
- teeth grinding
- arthritis
- poor alignment of teeth
Also, in most cases, women and people with 20 to 40 years of age are most likely to suffer the TMJ disorder.
Symptoms
Headaches and teeth grinding are commonly associated with TMJ disorder. If you are suffering from the problem you may also notice the erosion of your teeth and nausea followed by neck pain. You can experience these symptoms in various combinations. Also, stress and anxiety can most likely worsen the situation.
Treatment
If you are suffering from jaw pain and think you might have a temporomandibular joint disorder, the very first thing to do is to consult a TMJ specialist. Get your situation assessed through a recognized doctor. A full diagnosis will help you determine if you are having TMJ disorder or not. If not, the doctor will evaluate the actual cause of the symptoms. The method of diagnosis may include X-Ray images accompanied by an exam.
TMJ patients are treated in different ways. Which treatment is right for you completely depends on your particular situation. Bite guards are the best option to avoid teeth grinding which can lead to TMJ disorder. Together with the treatment, you can also adapt the relaxation techniques to reduce stress and the severity of the issue.
Moreover, if the problem is caused due to your issues with bite, straightening the teeth and aligning the jaws with TMJ braces is the right treatment. Pain relief is often recommended to control the symptoms and physical therapy helps with strengthening the jaw. Muscle relaxants can also be beneficial since they ease jaw tension. For many sufferers, injecting Botox into the tissues around the joint also works effectively.
Options to treat TMJ are many. Temporomandibular joint disorder can be treated at home. But, if you are exhausted with the treatment, meet a reputable TMJ doctor for further help.
Treatment at home
You can practice self-care for the TMJ disorder treatment by following the right steps at home.
- Eat soft food. Take more non-chewy food and avoid the meals that need wide bites.
- Take anti-inflammatory medicine.
- Avoid unnecessary jaw movements. Avoid chewing gum, singing, and yelling since it makes you open your jaw wider.
- Place your jaw a bit apart with your teeth as many times as possible. To cure the problems with grinding your teeth, position your tongue between the teeth.
- Use cold or moist heat packs on your jaw and both sides of your face for approximately ten minutes as many times as you need.
- Follow the right stress management techniques. This will help you relax and ease your jaw.
- Give your neck and jaw muscles a good massage. You can also get gentle stretches by a physical therapist at home.
Doctor’s treatment
Consult a TMJ doctor if your jaw pain is persistent. The doctor can suggest the right treatment based on your situation.
- Medications that include TMJ pain relief, muscle relaxer, or an anti-inflammatory drug.
- Mouthguards to keep the jaw in place
- Physical therapy can give you stretches.
- Surgical options if all other treatment options fail to relieve your pain.
Meet your doctor
If you experience pain in the temple, jaw, ear, or face, maybe you are suffering from TMJ disorder. Take proper self-care at home. Consult a reputable TMJ doctor. Dental specialists are highly trained and have years of experience in the field. However, they can get you the right suitable treatment.
