subject: What Are Some Of The Therapies Available For Tmj Relief [print this page] Considering what to do for TMJ relief is a daunting task. Each person is affected differently and for different reasons. Treatment can be as serious as surgery or as simple as a compress for your face. One thing that is the same for everyone according to doctors is that surgery should be a last hope option.
Temporomandibular joint is the full name of TMJ. The symptoms of issues relating to this joint are called Temporomandibular conditions. The pain resulting from these conditions can severely affect daily living and sleep. It can be in the jaw, neck, ears, teeth or cheeks.
The disorder is caused by worn down cartilage in the joint. The jaw bone will grind together causing pain, wearing down sometimes to the point of displacement. When the joint is dislocated there is a popping or clicking sound when the mouth is open and closed. It affects the muscles of the jaw, face and neck causing pain. Grinding and clenching of teeth puts stress on the joints possibly causing displacement of the jaw. Arthritis in this area can cause inflammation of the joints. This swelling itself is painful making if hard to open the mouth.
Jaw discomfort or pain are the first symptoms. Since the joint can affect surrounding muscles and nerves there can also be headaches and tooth pain, neck pain and ear pain. It can hurt more in these other area but there will be the jaw discomfort that can be mild to severe.
A dentist that is an expert on TMJ is who you would see to get it diagnosed. They will do a thorough exam of your mouth and take x-rays. By doing this they will know what is causing the pain. An over the counter pain reliever can be prescribed as well as a cold or hot face compress. Exercise and vitamins may also help.
The dentist may make a mouth guard for those who clench and grind their teeth and jaws. This keeps the teeth from grinding together. For those with a misaligned bite a mouth splint would be used. These are good to correct how the teeth come together but many complain that the pain is worse upon using it.
Breathing exercises are taught to help relax the muscles in the face and neck. Relaxation techniques are also taught. A mirror is used to show you the difference between a relaxed face and a tense one as well as showing what a misalignment looks like and an properly aligned mouth looks like. With practice you will remember what it feels like as well. During the day you will begin to notice the difference and correct it yourself. The very last option for treatment is surgery. When this is recommended it is suggested that you always look for a second opinion. The procedure involves removing the joint in the jaw and using implants to replace them.
When considering TMJ relief remember to try prevention. Try relaxation exercises as a discipline each day. Be mindful of the state of your mouth, neck, jaw and shoulder and relax them if they are tense. Stay away from chewing gum and hard, chewy foods. Sit properly and get plenty of rest at night.
