What You Should Know About TMJ Disorder?

Jaw pain can be unbearable because the jaws are involved in every movement you make with your mouth. That means that every time you eat, speak, or move your mouth, you feel pain in the jaw. One of the most common causes of jaw pain is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This condition affects the jaw joints and other muscles/ligaments controlling jaw movements. The temporomandibular joint disorder causes discomfort and affects the functions of the jaws, such as speaking, eating, yawning, etc., and other organs of the face.

Sometimes, the pain from temporomandibular joint disorder may be so unbearable that it limits mobility, making it difficult for you to move. If left untreated, temporomandibular joint disorder may lead to further complications. This article will explain everything you need to know about TMJ disorder and its treatment at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers – Marietta.

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

The temporomandibular joints(TMJ) are the two joints located below the ear on both sides of your head that connect the lower joint to the skull. The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It is a sliding hinge joint that allows up-and-down and side-to-side jaw movements and facilitates actions such as chewing, yawning, talking, swallowing, etc. Any injury, infection, or medical condition that causes damage or the misalignment of the structures that make up the TMJ may lead to temporomandibular joint disorders.

Temporomandibular joint disorders refer to the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints and jaw muscles that cause pain and hinder proper jaw movement. Aside from the pain that TMJ disorder causes, the condition also causes some severe physical and psychological problems, as you’ll soon see in this article.

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders

If you do not detect and treat TMJ disorder early enough, it may lead to further complications and health problems. Hence, you need to learn to recognize the signs of temporomandibular joint disorder early enough. The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder:

• Severe jaw or facial pain
• Earache
• Headaches and migraines
• Neck or shoulder pain
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Limited range of motion in the mouth
• Sensitive teeth or toothaches
• Locking of the jaw
• Jaw stiffness
• Swelling in the face
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
• Dizziness
• Clenching or grinding of the teeth
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers
• Malocclusion

You may have temporomandibular joint disorder if you notice these signs or symptoms. You should see a TMJ Treatment in Marietta, GA, for a diagnosis and possible treatment to reverse the effects of TMJ disorders and prevent complications.

Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

There is no single cause for temporomandibular joint disorder. The condition is rather caused by different factors or a combination of factors. The following are the most common causes of temporomandibular joint disorders:

• Jaw injury: This condition refers to any injury that affects any of the joints connecting your lower jawbone to your skull. The temporomandibular joint can crack, break, or become unhinged (dislocate) from the skull due to jaw injury that may occur due to a direct blow to the face from physical assault or traumatic events, such as motor accidents, collisions, falls, etc. Jaw injuries contribute to the development of temporomandibular joint disorders.

• Teeth grinding or clenching: Bruxism is the frequent and unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth caused by stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, bad habits, and certain medications. Constant grinding and clenching put extra strain on the teeth and jaws, contributing to temporomandibular joint disorders.

• Arthritis in the jaw joint: Arthritis is a degenerative disease that affects and damages the joints. This condition causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints. Your temporomandibular joints can also be affected by arthritis, leading to inflammation and the degeneration of joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis that affect the temporomandibular joint, contributing to TMJ disorder.

• Stress is the body’s natural reaction to changes and challenges. People respond to stress in different physical, emotional, and behavioral ways. Some of these responses may contribute to the development of TMJ disorder. Bruxism is an example of a physical response that can contribute to TMJ disorder. Some people respond to stress by tightening their jaw and facial muscles and clenching their teeth.

• Malocclusion: This refers to the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth. This condition may occur due to the presence of more teeth than the mouth can contain or due to crooked teeth. Malocclusion affects how you speak and chew food, putting extra strain on the jaw. This condition affects the jaw joints, surrounding muscles, and ligaments, contributing to TMJ disorder.

The following are some factors that may put you at risk of developing TMJ disorder:

• Age
• Poor posture
• Genetic predisposition
• Abuse of the teeth
• Bad eating habits

How are Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Diagnosed?

If you notice symptoms of TMJ disorder, you may still have to see a professional for diagnosis before you can undergo treatment. The following are methods through which physical therapists in Marietta, GA, diagnose  temporomandibular joint disorders:

• Physical examination: Temporomandibular joint disorder can be diagnosed during a dental checkup or a physical exam. Physical therapists may check for swelling, tenderness, and clicking or popping sounds in the jaw. They may also observe the range of motion in your mouth and feel your face and jaws to detect areas of discomfort.

• Imaging tests: These are tests that take detailed pictures of an area inside the body for diagnostic purposes. A physical therapist may order imaging tests to get a vivid look at your jaw joints and surrounding structures for diagnosis. Examples of imaging tests used to diagnose TMJ disorder include computed tomography (CT) scans, dental X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and TMJ arthroscopy.

Treatment Options for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

There are several treatment methods for temporomandibular joint disorder. Physical therapy in Marietta, GA, is one of the most effective treatment options that offers a non-invasive approach to treating and managing different conditions. Physical therapy employs several techniques to treat and manage pain and other symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder. It also improves joint function and restores the jaw’s range of motion. Common physical therapy techniques that physical therapists may employ to treat and manage TMJ disorder include:

• Jaw exercises

• Manual Therapy

• Postural training

• Other modalities include electrical stimulation, heat and cold therapy, ultrasound therapy, etc.

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Conclusion

Temporomandibular joint disorder causes severe pain and may limit your mobility and physical function. As a result, this condition can significantly reduce your quality of life. Therefore, you should know its causes, how to recognize it, and the available treatment options for this condition. If you are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder, you should consider undergoing physical therapy at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers – Marietta.