TMJ Treatment

A TMJ treatment is needed by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) sufferers to relieve them of the pain and discomforts associated with the condition. People who suffer from it generally experience headaches, dizziness, neck, shoulder and back pain, ear pain, fullness of the ears and tinnitus or ringing in the ear, among others.

The temporomandibular joint, which is composed of muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and bones, bridges the lower jaw to the skull in front of the ear. It controls the jawbone, whose movements allow opening and closing of the mouth, talking, chewing, and yawning. When a problem occurs in the muscles or joints in the jaw occurs, a temporomandibular joint disorder likewise occurs. Its known causes include teeth grinding, dental problems and misalignment of the teeth, habitual gum chewing or fingernail biting, and stress.

Diagnosing the condition can be difficult at times because several of its symptoms can also be the symptoms of other conditions. Generally, though, some tests are evaluated to see if you are really suffering from the condition. The indications include pain when chewing, the jaw getting locked or not able to open widely, and worn teeth. Moreover, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that in the United States, over 10 million individuals are suffering from the condition at any given time.

Self-care TMJ treatment is recommended, especially if the pain you experience relating to the condition is temporary. It includes some change in your diet. Minimize your intake of wheat and dairy products. On the other hand, eat more red meat for zinc, iron, and vitamin B12. Furthermore, eating hard, chewy or crunchy foods should be avoided. Jaw rest is also helpful in keeping the teeth apart as much as possible. In addition, you should learn to manage stress. Find time to relax, or enroll in stress management programs such as counseling.

Other treatments include:

• Heat and ice therapy: They help reduce muscle tension and spasm. Cold packs, in particular can help relieve pain.
  
  
• Drug Therapy: Conventional drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and steroids may help control inflammation, and muscle relaxants like diazepam can decrease muscle spasms.
  
  
• Physical Therapy: The passive opening and closing of the jaws as well as electrical simulation aid in decreasing pain and in increasing the range of motion and strength of the joint.