One of the body’s most complicated joints is the TMJ or temporomandibular joint. The mandible moves up and down, side to side, and back and forth with this joint and some muscles. The movements required for speaking, eating, and expressing oneself are made possible by these joints. Pain, irregular jaw movements, jaw discomfort, and joint sounds can all be symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. They are somewhat prevalent.
What is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint disorders are pathologic changes that affect the jaw’s muscles, joints, and nerves and result in chronic facial pain. TMJ issues can result from any problem that prevents the complex network of muscles, bones, and joints from interacting appropriately.
What Causes TMJ?
The TMJ disorder’s true etiology may not always be known. The primary cause is usually the jaw joints and the muscle group that manages chewing, swallowing, and speech which is occasionally under extreme strain. Perhaps bruxism is to blame for this tension. The grinding or clenching of the teeth occurs habitually and without conscious effort. However, the Temporomandibular joint may result from a jaw, head, or neck injury. The TMJ might hurt due to arthritis and disc displacement in the jaw joint. Sometimes the discomfort from TMJ pain overlaps with or gets worsened by another painful medical condition, such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome.
What are TMJ Symptoms?
TMJ disorders frequently result in excruciating pain and discomfort. It could be brief or continue for a long time. Your face may be affected on either one or both sides. Common signs and symptoms include:
You might feel discomfort or tenderness in or around your ear, neck, shoulders, the region surrounding your jaw joint, and your face when you eat, speak, or open your mouth.
- Open or closed mouths with “sticky” or “locked” jaws
- The jaw joint may make clicking, cracking, or grinding noises when you unlock or close your mouth or chew.
- A feeling of facial fatigue
- Having trouble eating or having a sudden aversion to biting
- The side of your face swells.
- Jaw and ear pain on one side
Additionally, you can experience upper shoulder pain, jaw pain when opening your mouth wide, ringing in the ears, toothaches, headaches, neck pain, dizziness, earaches, and hearing issues (tinnitus).
How Long Does TMJ Last?
The duration of TMJ flare-ups is unfortunately unknown. There is no particular duration for the jaw pain as it varies from case to case. Its severity depends on its underlying cause and the degree of jaw joint damage. Hours to a few days may pass between painful flare-ups.
Most occurrences of discomfort (mild to moderate cases) are transient, and they need treatment with hot or cold compresses, massages, and over-the-counter painkillers. More severe pain can continue for weeks and call for medical attention. Chronic pain may also result from situations that go untreated.
What is The Treatment Option for TMJ?
There are some TMJ home remedies to treat this condition. Your physician could advise you to combine some of these treatments. The variety of therapies includes straightforward self-care techniques, TMJ exercises, conservative therapies, physical therapies, injections, and open surgery.
Many medical experts and Tupelo dentists believe that mindful, nonsurgical therapy such as a mouth guard for TMJ is the first line of treatment, with surgery being the final option.
A Final Word
Due to TMJ headache, pain and discomfort, TMJ can significantly interfere with your daily life. People who suffer from Temporomandibular joint problems should choose a dental service specialist in TMJ therapy and treatment. You can consult with Dr. Robert H. Thornton, one of the best TMJ specialists in Tupelo, for the treatment of issues related to the temporomandibular joint.