As an athlete in the city of Bend, Oregon, you train hard to overcome your performance limitations and reach your maximum potential. But as some sports are more physically demanding than others, pushing your body to its limit can also have its risks. One area that athletes often overlook is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Ignoring TMD can have a significant impact on an athlete’s ability to perform at their best. In this article, we will tell Bend athletes why they should not ignore their TMJ symptoms and why seeking treatment is crucial.
What is TMJ and What Are its Symptoms?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects the lower jaw to the skull. When this joint is not working properly, patients can experience a range of symptoms. These symptoms can include a clicking, popping, or grating sound when the jaw joint is moving, headaches and migraines, jaw locking, ear pain, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and limited range of motion in the jaw joint. These symptoms can be particularly irksome for athletes, as they can limit the way the athlete moves and performs.
Why Bend Athletes Should Not Ignore TMJ Symptoms
For an athlete in Bend, it is critical that no potential limit to performance be ignored. The temporomandibular joint is a very complex joint and many factors can be contributing to its dysfunction. It can be affected by teeth grinding, an untreated misaligned bite, joint hypermobility, or muscle tension in the head and neck area. While jaw joint and muscle problems are generally considered benign, they can have very serious side effects – especially for athletes that require their muscles to be in top shape at all times.
Ignoring the symptoms of TMD can have a significant impact on a Bend athlete’s ability to perform. If left untreated, TMD can contribute to tension headaches, chronic migraines, dizziness, shortness of breath, and neck and shoulder pain, and aching or tenderness around the ear and jaw.
How Can Athletes in Bend Treat TMD?
Fortunately, there are many ways athletes in Bend can treat TMD. Patients should consult with a dentist or maxillofacial surgeon who has been trained to recognize and treat TMD. Treatment can include dental work to correct any misaligned bite, muscle relaxants, physical therapy modalities for the jaw, and specific exercises to help reduce muscle tension and improve ranges of motion.
Patients can also try at-home remedies to manage their symptoms, such as eating and drinking on the same side and avoiding hard to chew foods. Some TMD patients find benefit from applying heat to their jaw joint and ear, massaging the jaw line, and avoiding excessive chewing and clenching the jaw.
The Takeaway for Bend Athletes: TMJ Should Not be Ignored
The symptoms of TMD in Bend athletes can have a significant impact on their performance. It is important for athletes to be aware of what TMD is and to not ignore its symptoms. The quicker TMD is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance of a successful outcome. If you are an athlete in Bend experiencing TMD symptoms, be sure to consult with a dentist or maxillofacial surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment. Don’t let TMD limit your performance.