TMJ Symptoms And Treatment Alternatives
The jaw joints consist of blood vessels, nerves, bones, and muscles. The movements of the mouth, like opening, closing and stretching it wide, are executed by these joints, which are located beside the ear on the sides of the head, attaching the jaw to the cranium. The coordination of these muscle movements let you chew, talk and yawn.
Jaw joint complications result in aches in the jaw, jaw joint, surrounding facial muscles, ear, head, neck, or shoulder. Others refer to TMD as myofacial pain dysfunction and Costen’s syndrome. You may feel discomfort in the body parts immediately surrounding the jaw joints and this not unusual, however it is better to still look up the different TMJ symptoms and treatment and see if your pain qualifies as a jaw joint disorder.
Helpful information about TMJ symptoms and treatment are easily accessible to you, but it is better to always check with your doctor before going into any corrective procedure. Your physician will be able to explain the functioning of the joints and how to avoid any action or habit, like chewing gum, that could worsen the problem. But if you experience a locking of jaw, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department and get help. They will sedate you to a comfortable level and gently manipulate your jaw to open or close.
Feel the point near your ear that toggles when your mouth opens or closes; it is the jaw joint. You will usually feel some soreness at the jaw when you bite or chew, which can move on to the mouth and face and make the head ache. It can also radiate to the neck and shoulders, and you may experience muscle spasms.
Other people say that they, and those around them, hear clicking, grating or popping sounds. This may mean the discs are in an abnormal position. TMD also causes throbbing and ringing in the ears, and even loss of hearing. These symptoms are similar to those of ear problems.
Gentle therapies are usually advised first for TMJ symptoms and treatment. Gently massage the muscles that are sore, but stay away from the throat. Repeat this for one day and see if the pain dissipates. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may help reduce the swelling and pain. Other methods are the application of moist heat or cold packs, taking multivitamins, and doing biofeedback. Other doctors advise mouth guards or splints, or orthodontics for dental realignment. Reconstructive surgery or any irreversible treatment method should be your last resort, and should be done only when your doctor says it is the only way to correct the problem.
Find out more about TMJ symptoms and treatment if you experience any related pain. It may be more than a headache, ear pain, and soreness of the face, neck or shoulder. Try doing simple and gentle therapies at home, like massaging the affected areas or applying heat and cold compresses, but consult your doctor regarding various treatment methods if the problems persist.
- Keith Sully