The two joints that attach the jawbone to the skull, known as the TMJs, can become painful due to damage, dislocation, or injury. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the name of this joint. Patients with TMJ have trouble opening their mouths wide and feel mild to severe jaw pain.
Most of the time, self-managed care or nonsurgical TMJ treatments can alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by the temporomandibular joint disorder. Although it is typically only used as a last resort when all other options have failed, certain TMJ disease sufferers may benefit from surgical therapy.
What Causes TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint functions as both a hinge and a sliding joint. A small shock-absorbing disc separates the sections of the bones that connect in the joint and covers them, which usually retains motion smoothly. Two of the main causes of TMJ pain are teeth grinding and clenching. In addition to this, painful TMJ disorders can develop:
- If the disc erodes or shifts out of position.
- Arthritis ruins the cartilage in the joint.
- An unexpected impact or a strike causes injury to the joint.
However, the exact TMJ cause is often unknown.
What are the TMJ Symptoms?
Some warning signs and symptoms of TMJ issues include:
- Jaw and ear pain on one side
- Having jaw discomfort or tenderness
- Temporomandibular joint discomfort, either in one or both joints
- Throbbing pain behind and around your ear
- Chewing difficulties or pain during chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Joint locking makes it challenging to open or close your mouth.
TMJ disorders may also cause headaches sometimes. Additionally, they may make your mouth click or grate when you open it or chew. However, you generally don’t need therapy for a TMJ condition if the clicking in your jaw isn’t accompanied by pain or a restriction in your joint movement.
Treatment:
This is not a lifelong ailment, and with the proper care and right TMJ exercises, it can be treated. Firstly, you should quit any habits of clenching or grinding your teeth, as well as anything else that exerts pressure on the joint. Additionally, start eating soft foods to prevent your teeth from exerting too much pressure when you bite down on something, which puts pressure on your temporomandibular joint.
Having said that, the following are how permanent TMJ cures:
Splints
Splints, designed especially for you, can be worn over your upper or lower teeth. You won’t clench or grind your teeth due to these splints, which function as a cushion between your teeth. It allows the temporomandibular joint enough rest and aids in its quick recovery.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy incorporates joint-specific exercises. Some helpful exercises include chin tucks, tongue lifts, forward jaw movements, and resisted closing. Contact your TMJ specialist in Tupelo to find out which exercises are most effective for relieving pain.
Surgery
It is the last option, and many medical professionals do not advise it. The procedure for treating a temporomandibular joint is known as arthroscopy, and it entails placing the joint correctly and carrying out any other actions that would solve any underlying internal issues with the joint.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Low-voltage electric shocks are used in this method to treat pain. Electric currents are passed through the nerves while modes of current are applied to the painful area.
You should not disregard TMJ pain because, if unaddressed, it could have severe implications. You must use every effort to properly heal your joints for an extended period until the discomfort goes away. Get in touch with your Tupelo dentist for the proper care if you experience any TMJ symptoms.