TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is a complex joint in the jaw that is essential for chewing and speaking. Though a healthy TMJ is vital for the proper function of the mouth, it can also be the source of chronic pain and debilitating symptoms. If you experience pain on one or both sides of your jaw joint, visit your health care provider to determine if you may have a TMJ disorder (TMD).
Common Causes of TMJ Pain
There are many causes of TMJ pain, and pinpointing one can be challenging. TMJ disorders are often the result of a combination of factors, as opposed to a single cause. Some common causes of TMJ pain and dysfunction include:
- Malocclusion — Misaligned teeth or jawbone can place extra stress on the TMJ, leading to discomfort and pain.
- Bruxism — Grinding or clenching your teeth can overwork the TMJ and the surrounding muscles and lead to inflammation and pain.
- Arthritis — Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain in the jaw joint.
- Physical trauma — Sudden jaw injury from an accident, fall, or sports injury may result in damage to the TMJ.
- Stress — A person who is highly stressed and compulsively clenches the jaw can cause damaging tension in the TMJ, resulting in pain.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Pain
The symptoms of TMJ disorders can vary significantly from one person to another, but they often include the following:
- Pain — The most common symptom of TMJ pain is a persistent or recurring discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders.
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds — Some individuals report hearing these noises when they move their jaw.
- Headaches and migraines— TMJ pain can cause headaches that originate near the temples.
- Difficulty chewing or talking — The discomfort in the joint may make it difficult to fully open or close the mouth, or even speak clearly.
- Tinnitus — Some studies have found that individuals with TMJ pain are more likely to develop tinnitus, or a ringing in the ears.
- Facial swelling — If inflammation is present, the entire side of the face may appear swollen.
Treatment Options for TMJ Pain
Once a diagnosis of TMD is made, treatment can begin. Although TMJ pain can be severe and at times debilitating, it is usually manageable with a variety of treatment options. Treatments can range from simple at-home remedies to more complex treatments performed by a health care provider. Some common treatment options for TMJ pain include:
- Exercises — Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the TMJ may minimize pain and improve joint mobility.
- Hot and cold therapy — Applying heat or ice to the affected area can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Stress management — Activities such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises can help to minimize stressful situations and decrease jaw clenching.
- Medication — Over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed to manage pain and decrease stress.
- Night guards or occlusal splints — Removable devices that are worn while sleeping to prevent grinding or clenching of the teeth can help to protect the TMJ and muscles.
- Dental work — Orthodontic treatment and other corrective procedures can be performed to ensure the proper alignment of the teeth and jawbone.
- Surgery — If other treatments fail to provide relief, certain surgical procedures may be necessary to repair or replace damaged structures in the TMJ.
Preventing Future TMJ Pain
Many of the treatments for TMJ pain can also be helpful in preventing future pain. Additionally, individuals experiencing TMJ pain can take steps to minimize existing pain and avoid triggers that may cause flare-ups, such as:
- Apply ice or heat — Regularly apply ice to inflammation and use moist heat to relax sore muscles.
- Limit repetitive jaw movements — Pay attention to activities that require constant jaw movement, such as eating hard or chewy foods, and try to avoid overloading the jaw with these activities.
- Practice good posture — Good posture can reduce stress on the neck and jaw.
- Reduce stress – Engage in relaxing activities, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, to help reduce stress and tension in the jaw muscles.
- Get regular dental check-ups — Regularly visit a dentist to check for signs of misalignment or other issues that could lead to TMJ pain.
Conclusion
A healthy TMJ is essential for the proper function of the mouth, yet it can also be the source of chronic pain and debilitating symptoms. TMJ disorders can be caused by a multitude of factors, including malocclusion, bruxism, arthritis, physical trauma, and stress. The symptoms of TMJ disorders can vary from one individual to another, but they often include pain, clicking, popping, difficulty talking, and facial swelling. Once a diagnosis of TMD is made, there are many treatments available to help manage pain, including exercises, hot and cold therapy, stress management, medication, dental work, and surgery. Additionally, individuals can take steps to prevent future TMJ pain, such as applying ice or heat, exercising good posture, and getting regular dental check-ups.
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By: Susan Meyers
SEO optimized by: Samuel
Date: November 21, 2021