Negosentro | Effective Treatments That Provide Relief from TMJ Disorders | Pain in your jaw may be due to an injury, overuse, or inflammation and may get better with home care treatments. But if the pain persists, you may need a professional diagnosis to determine if you have a TMJ disorder. Your Gaithersburg TMJ disorder specialists offer accurate diagnoses and effective treatments to relieve your pain.
What is a TMJ disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) attaches your jawbone to the skull on each side of your head. This joint is responsible for your jaw movements, including yawning, chewing, and speaking. TMJ disorder is a condition that causes excruciating pain in your temporomandibular muscles during jaw movement due to joint inflammation or irritation. You are also likely to develop a TMJ disorder due to continuous grinding or clenching of your teeth. In most cases, you can alleviate the pain and discomfort resulting from TMJ disorder with home care treatments. Some of the common symptoms of a TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw locking
- Facial pain
- Difficulty chewing\Uneven bite
- Headache
- Tenderness in your jaw
- Earaches
- Pain in your temporomandibular joint
- Feelings of tiredness in your face
- Swelling on your face
- Toothache
You may also have a TMJ disorder if you hear a grating sensation or clicking sound when chewing. But if you are not experiencing any pain or discomfort in addition to your jaw clicking, you may not necessarily need medical care.
What factors contribute to the development of TMJ disorders?
It is challenging to determine the exact cause of TMJ disorders, but some factors may contribute to its development, including:
- Continuous grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism)
- Arthritis in your temporomandibular joint
- An improper bite
- Dislocation of the disc connecting the ball and socket joint
- Stress
- Acute trauma
- Genetics
In most cases, TMJ disorder patients obtain relief from the pain and discomfort through self-massage and relaxation techniques to ease muscle tension. If TMJ disorder symptoms persist or worsen over time, contact the professional team at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center.
What are the available treatment options for TMJ disorder?
During your appointment at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center, the skilled team may perform a comprehensive physical exam and enquire about your symptoms to get a better understanding of your TMJ disorder. They may gently press the sides of your face to identify sites of discomfort and observe your jaw’s range in motion. The team may also order additional tests such as MRIs or CT scans for detailed images. Your provider may also use TMJ arthroscopy to diagnose a TMJ disorder. Afterward, they may recommend a personalized treatment option to relieve your pain. Your treatment plan may include:
- Steroid injections
- Corrective dental treatment
- Botox injections
- Oral medications
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Your doctor may also recommend no-drug therapies such as physical therapy, oral splints, and counseling to inform you about habits that may be aggravating your pain. In severe cases, your provider may recommend surgical intervention.
If you are struggling with TMJ pain, call CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center or schedule an online appointment to begin your journey to wellness.
