Today's post is about a little different kind of chronic pain condition. TMD (or TMJ), officially known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, affects the hinge-like joint that connects the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. Without this skeletal feature, life would be quite different, for it is used for chewing food, speaking, and yawning.
The cause of TMJ/TMD is unclear, but it is thought to arise as a result of whiplash or injury. Other possible causes include grinding of the teeth, stress, or arthritis of the temporomandibular joint. There is a cushion-like disk within this joint that may fall out of alignment, potentially leading to TMD.
This condition is more common in women, and usually affects persons between the ages of 20 and 40. Common symptoms of TMJ/TMD include clicking, popping or grating sounds when chewing or opening the mouth. Sometimes the jaw will actually lock open or closed. Facial pain, or perhaps pain in the neck or shoulders can be indicative of TMJ/TMD if they occur when chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth wide. In some instances the upper and lower teeth don't mesh together correctly, as if misaligned. Facial swelling can also be a sign of this disorder.Toothaches, headaches, dizziness and ringing of the ears have also been reported.
If TMJ/TMD is suspect, a visit to a dental professional is in order. There are actually some dentists who actually specialize in the treatment of TMJ/TMD. The dentist may X-Ray your mouth/jaw or perhaps order a CT scan or MRI in addition to performing an oral exam in the office to assess the condition. Sometimes a dentist will refer the patient to an oral surgeon or orthodontist for further assessment or treatment.
There are many non-drug elements involved in the treatment of TMJ/TMD. They include:
soft diet, heat, ice packs, and relaxation techniques, amongst others. On occasion over the counter pain medications may be recommended. In other cases, prescription drugs may be used. Traditional dental practices used in the treatment of TMJ/TMD include splint or mouth guards, crowns, bridges,and braces. Alternative treatments include TENS units, ultrasound therapy, and radio wave or laser therapy.
Surgical options are usually a last resort and include arthroscopic surgery, arthrocentesis, and open joint surgery.
Sources: WebMD; Wikimedia
The cause of TMJ/TMD is unclear, but it is thought to arise as a result of whiplash or injury. Other possible causes include grinding of the teeth, stress, or arthritis of the temporomandibular joint. There is a cushion-like disk within this joint that may fall out of alignment, potentially leading to TMD.
This condition is more common in women, and usually affects persons between the ages of 20 and 40. Common symptoms of TMJ/TMD include clicking, popping or grating sounds when chewing or opening the mouth. Sometimes the jaw will actually lock open or closed. Facial pain, or perhaps pain in the neck or shoulders can be indicative of TMJ/TMD if they occur when chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth wide. In some instances the upper and lower teeth don't mesh together correctly, as if misaligned. Facial swelling can also be a sign of this disorder.Toothaches, headaches, dizziness and ringing of the ears have also been reported.
If TMJ/TMD is suspect, a visit to a dental professional is in order. There are actually some dentists who actually specialize in the treatment of TMJ/TMD. The dentist may X-Ray your mouth/jaw or perhaps order a CT scan or MRI in addition to performing an oral exam in the office to assess the condition. Sometimes a dentist will refer the patient to an oral surgeon or orthodontist for further assessment or treatment.
There are many non-drug elements involved in the treatment of TMJ/TMD. They include:
soft diet, heat, ice packs, and relaxation techniques, amongst others. On occasion over the counter pain medications may be recommended. In other cases, prescription drugs may be used. Traditional dental practices used in the treatment of TMJ/TMD include splint or mouth guards, crowns, bridges,and braces. Alternative treatments include TENS units, ultrasound therapy, and radio wave or laser therapy.
Surgical options are usually a last resort and include arthroscopic surgery, arthrocentesis, and open joint surgery.
Sources: WebMD; Wikimedia
Comments
Post a Comment