TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders, also known as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), refer to a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The temporomandibular joint acts like a hinge, connecting the jawbone to the skull and enabling movements like chewing and speaking. TMJ disorders can cause symptoms such as jaw pain, stiffness, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, and facial discomfort.
These disorders may result from factors like teeth grinding, jaw injuries, arthritis, stress, or misalignment of the jaw. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and may include physical therapy, custom mouthguards, medications, or, in some cases, surgery.
Treatment for TMJ disorders varies depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition.
Self-Care Practices: Applying heat or ice packs, avoiding hard or chewy foods, and practicing relaxation techniques to reduce jaw tension.
Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or low-dose antidepressants to manage pain and inflammation.
Oral Appliances: Custom-made mouthguards or splints to reduce teeth grinding and alleviate pressure on the jaw joint.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen and stretch jaw muscles, along with techniques like ultrasound or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Injections: Corticosteroid or Botox injections to relieve pain and reduce muscle tension in severe cases.
Surgical Options: For persistent or severe cases, procedures like arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, or open-joint surgery may be considered.