The temporomandibular joint disorder affects the jaw joints. It causes severe pain and discomfort in the jaw and other face parts, leading to restricted function and mobility. This condition can significantly reduce quality of life because it prevents you from carrying out activities of daily living as basic as talking and chewing.
Undoubtedly, TMJ disorders have adverse effects on physical and mental health, hence the need for immediate treatment. There are several treatment options for people suffering from temporomandibular disorder. However, while some are more effective than other options, others are less invasive compared to some TMJ disorder treatment options. Physical therapy in Garland, TX, is one of the most effective and less invasive treatment options for TMJ disorder. Although physical therapy has been proven to be effective, you may ask how long it may take to treat your TMJ disorder. This article will explore physical therapy techniques and how long treatment may take at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers – Garland Campbell.
What Does TMJ Disorder Entail?
TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint and other muscles that control jaw movement. The temporomandibular joint is a sliding hinge joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. It is located below the ear on both sides of the head. The joint is complex and consists of different muscles, discs, ligaments, and bones that work together to ensure jaw movement and actions that require the mouth.
The temporomandibular joint disorder may be caused by infections, injuries, and other medical conditions that affect the structures of the temporomandibular joint. In addition to restricted function, damage to the temporomandibular joint structures leads to severe pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Pain in your face or jaw may not necessarily indicate temporomandibular joint disorders. Therefore, how do you know when you have temporomandibular joint disorder? The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder:
- Pain and tenderness in the jaw
- Headaches and migraines
- Jaw stiffness
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing, yawning, and speaking
- Aching pain around the ear
- Ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus)
- Locking of the jaw when the mouth is open or close
- Clicking or popping sounds in the ear
- Limited range of motion in the face
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Toothache or dentin hypersensitivity without dental problems
- Misalignment of the upper and lower teeth (malocclusion)
- Dizziness
While you still need a professional diagnosis to be certain of the presence of temporomandibular disorders, you may be suffering from TMJ disorders if you experience one or more of these symptoms.
Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
TMJ disorders may develop from one or a combination of some of the following factors:
- Injury to the head or jaw: You may suffer an injury to your head or jaw area from a direct blow if you have been involved in traumatic events, such as a motor accident, falls, collisions, or even physical fights. Examples of injuries that may lead to TMJ disorders include a crack, break, or dislocation of the temporomandibular joint.
- Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints. It is inflammation of the joints that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. Arthritis can also affect the temporomandibular joint, contributing to TMJ disorder.
- Grinding and clenching of the teeth: This condition is also known as bruxism. It refers to the frequent and unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth. Some people grind and clench their teeth under immense stress as a coping mechanism, while others may have picked it up as a bad habit. Either way, bruxism puts excessive strain on the jaw, contributing to TMJ disorders.
- Misalignment of the jaw: If your upper and lower teeth do not align, you may develop temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders). Misaligned teeth lead to improper bites, putting excessive strain on the jaw and contributing to TMJ disorders.
Risk factors that put you at risk of developing TMJ disorders include stress, abuse of the teeth, age, bad eating habits, poor posture, etc.
How are Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Diagnosed?
Even when you notice one or more signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder, you may still have to undergo a diagnosis to be eligible for treatment. The following are diagnostic methods that physical therapists employ for TMJ in Garland, TX:
- Initial evaluation: This may happen during your first encounter with a physical therapist for TMJ disorder diagnosis. Here, you may be asked about your symptoms and medical history. This information helps the physical therapist to determine the likelihood of TMJ disorder.
- Physical examination: The physical therapist examines your face and jaw area for signs of temporomandibular disorder. They also examine your jaw movement, bite alignment, and range of motion. They may also check for swelling and clicking/popping sounds and feel your face to examine areas of discomfort.
- Diagnostic imaging tests: This method refers to tests that provide pictures of the body’s organs. Examples of imaging tests that physical therapists in Garland, TX, use to diagnose temporomandibular joint disorders include dental impressions, dental X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.
Treatment Options For Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Several treatment methods exist for temporomandibular disorders, and physical therapy in Garland, TX, stands out as one of the safest and most effective treatment methods for temporomandibular joint disorders.
How Long Does it Take to Treat TMJ Disorders?
Several factors determine how long the treatment of TMJ disorders will take. Some of these factors include:
Underlying Cause of TMJ
The factors that led to the development of the TMJ disorder must be considered. In cases where another medical condition like arthritis causes TMJ disorder, this primary condition may have to be treated before TMJ disorder can be treated completely, extending the treatment duration.
Severity of the Condition
The temporomandibular joint disorder can be mild or severe, depending on the causes and duration. This plays a significant role in determining how long it takes to cure it fully. While mild TMJ disorders require short-term treatment that may last a couple of weeks to a month, treatment for severe TMJ disorders may span a couple of months or even years.
Type of Treatment Method
Various treatment methods for TMJ disorders exist, and their effectiveness varies, leading to different treatment durations. Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatment methods, and it takes weeks or months for it to completely treat TMJ disorders. Other less effective treatment methods, such as medications, may require ongoing treatment over several months or even years.
Individual Attributes
Individual factors, such as age, health condition, and other factors, may influence the duration of TMJ treatment. Younger individuals may respond to TMJ disorder treatment faster than older citizens. Also, an individual’s compliance with their healthcare provider’s instructions can determine how fast their TMJ disorders go away.
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Conclusion
TMJ disorder is dangerous because it causes severe pain and restricts function and mobility. This condition can significantly impact and reduce an individual’s quality of life. Therefore, it has to be treated on time to prevent complications. Despite the prospects of various treatment methods, you may be concerned about how long TMJ treatment will take. If you want to be free of your TMJ disorder in the shortest time possible, you should undergo physical therapy at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers – Garland Campbell.
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