--Do you have unexplained headaches or a dull pain around your ears that seems to get worse when you move your jaw?
--Do you experience pain that radiates from your ears or head down to the back of your head, your neck and shoulders?
--Has your jaw ever become locked or do you have pain when you open your mouth wide?
These are some of the common symptoms of a specific disorder known as TMJ syndrome. Other symptoms can include facial or sinus pain, pain or ringing in the ears, and tenderness of the jaw muscles.
When people say they have TMJ syndrome, they are talking about problems they are having with their temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is the hinge-like joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone in your skull.
Sometimes called the "great imposter" or a tooth-grinding syndrome, TMJ can be difficult to diagnose because the diversity of symptoms can be attributed to any number of disorders or problems.
Frequently, TMJ problems result when the teeth, chewing muscles, and the temporomandibular joint do not work together correctly. Constant pain then can radiate to all parts of the head (including the ears and eyes) down through the neck and shoulders.
Problems with the TM joint can be caused by a variety of things, including:
-- head trauma
-- whiplash
-- teeth grinding (bruxism) and
clenching that puts constant pressure and stress on the TM joint.
-- teeth that don't fit together
properly; an "improper" bite
-- missing or sore teeth that make
you favor chewing on one side
-- overuse of chewing and jaw muscles,
such as with gum chewing or nail biting
-- bad posture or work habits,
often seen in sitting arrangements used with computer keyboards
-- arthritis
-- infections that affect the joints.
TMJ syndrome usually can be treated successfully, even if the symptoms have been present for years. Check first with your family dentist. You may be referred to an orthodontist, a chiropractor, an oral surgeon, or a physical therapist for a second opinion or specialty treatment.
Diagnosis of TMJ problems starts with a complete history, an evaluation of dental problems, a physical exam and xrays. Additional tests may be ordered for a conclusive diagnosis.
Treatment of a TMJ disorder can include both surgical and nonsurgical approaches. Your healthcare provider initially may prescribe a combination of nonsurgical treatments, including:
-- anti-inflammatory medications
-- muscle relaxants
-- physical therapy exercises
-- stress management techniques;
psychotherapy
-- special mechanical devices,
such as a bite guard to use while sleeping to minimize the effects of teeth
grinding or braces
-- ice or moist heat to reduce
tenderness or pain.
-- eliminate gum chewing; avoid
hard and chewy foods.
Surgery is generally recommended if nonsurgical approaches have not worked. Less than five percent of people with TMJ end up needing surgery, which usually involves arthroscopy or opening the joint to view and treat the problem.
If you experience ongoing head,
face, or neck pain, talk with your dentist or healthcare provider about
the possibility of TMJ syndrome. Many people think they just have to live
with the continuous dull ache of TMJ. But it doesn't have to be that way.You can get relief!
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