Jaw Pain and TMJ Dysfunction
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Have you ever had a conversation with someone that told you they have TMJ? Well technically, every human being has TMJ, or a Temporomandibular Joint. What people with jaw pain are meaning to say is that they have TMD, or Temporomandibular dysfuntion. Any one experiencing jaw pain and/or surrounding facial muscle pain which control mastication and jaw movement may be suffering from TMD.
What Causes TMD?
Most commonly, TMJ problems occur due to muscle dysfunctions, injuries, whiplash near the jaw. In addition, it may be noted from the patient a history that includes grinding or clenching the teeth, dislocation of the disc between the ball and socket, a presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and stress.
What Are the Symptoms of TMD?
Common symptoms of TMD include:
- Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, or the ear when you masticate, speak, or open your mouth wide
- Limited ability to open the mouth wide
- Jaw locks in open or closed mouth position
- Pain or no pain with clicking or popping (reducing) sounds in the jaw joint
- Bite feels off or different, top teeth are not matching up to bottom teeth when clenching
- Swelling on the side of the face
- toothaches
- headaches
- dizziness
- earaches and hearing problems.
What Treatments Are Available for TMD?
A wide variety of treatments are available from simple home care conservative treatments to surgery. The obvious choice is to begin with conservative, nonsurgical treatments, leaving surgery as a last resort.
- Moist heat or cold packs
- Eating soft foods
- Medications prescribed by your MD such as OTC NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, etc)
- Wear a night guard fitted by your Dentist
- Consider correcting your mouths biomechanics with corrective braces
- Avoid extreme jaw movements
- Keep your teeth slightly apart
- and most importantly, see your CHIROPRACTOR for a TMJ adjustment
Read about Dr. Drew's conversion story into persuing a career in Chiropractic by his suffering and eventual resolution with TMJ dysfunction.