So, what is TMJ anyway? Well, for starters, TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint – a joint in the jaw – and it’s a disorder that causes pain or discomfort. Although the exact cause of TMJ is unknown, it’s believed to be brought on by several factors, including stress, poor posture, teeth grinding, misalignment of the teeth, and even excessive gum chewing. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, there are approximately 10 million Americans living with TMJ. Also, TMJ is more common in women.
TMJ symptoms include facial pain, ear aches, tinnitus, headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness or soreness, swelling in the face, especially near the jawline, difficulty chewing food, and locking of the jaw after yawning.
Unfortunately, there isn’t one single test that's used to detect TMJ, but your doctor may suggest that it’s time to finally go ahead and schedule that appointment with your dentist or an ear, nose and throat specialist. A MRI is sometimes used to pick up the disorder.Often times, TMJ goes away on its own, but if your symptoms persist, your doctor will most likely recommend various treatments, from bite splints/guards to physical therapy to over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers and muscle relaxants.
In severe cases of TMJ, surgery may be required but only as a last resort. In fact, the folks at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research do not recommend surgery as a form of treatment unless it’s absolutely necessary.
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“There have been no long-term studies to test the safety and effectiveness of these procedures. Before considering any surgery on the jaw joint, it’s important to get opinions from other doctors and to fully understand the risks,” according to the website.
Botox in small doses or acupuncture may also help relieve TMJ symptoms along with a few simple home remedies, such as applying warm heat or ice to the areas where you feel pain and learning relaxation techniques and exercises/stretches with a help of a physical therapist. Lastly, improve your posture and try not to overuse your jaw muscles. This means cutting back on chewing gum, eating soft foods whenever possible and cutting up your food into smaller pieces.
