subject: Therapies Available For Tmj Relief [print this page] There are several treatments available for TMJ relief. They vary from relaxation techniques to replacement surgery. What treatment works best in completely dependent on the severity of the TMJ and its response. All doctors agree on one point surgery is the very last option after every other option has been explored.
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 cause is the wearing down of the the cartilage in the jaw and the surrounding connecting tissues and muscles. Just like with any joint when the cartilage wears down the bones themselves will grind together causing serious pain. This joint can become dislocated in which case whenever chewing or yawning takes place a popping sound can be heard. All of this can start with clenching the teeth or grinding the teeth. Arthritis can occur in the jaw causing inflammation. The swelling can make it difficult for the person open their mouth. The mouth being misaligned can also cause symptoms.
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.
If TMJ is suspected a complete exam is done of your mouth, x-rays included. This is usually done by a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. At first the recommendation may be to use cold or hot compresses on your face. A mild pain reliever may be prescribed. Sometime it may be exercise or vitamins.
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.
Since the clenching is often caused by anxiety breathing exercises and relaxation techniques are recommended. These can be done at different times during the day so you remember to relax. There is one option for treatment that is considered the very last in line. If the condition can not be corrected or managed then surgery will be necessary. This is done by removing the joints and then replacing them with implants. If this is recommended other opinions should be sought .
To prevent the onset of pain with TMJ it is recommended that you avoid chewing gum, or hard chewy foods. Keep your face, neck and shoulders relaxed. Keep good posture, practice relaxation techniques and be sure to get plenty of rest. These as well the treatments available will absolutely help with TMJ relief.
