Recongnizing the Signs and Symptoms of TMJ: Are you having jaw pain? Maybe you have TMJ
TMJ (temporo Mandibular Joint) is thought to be caused by rheumatoid or osteoarthritis , grinding of the teeth, stresses or sometimes results from injury. TMJ involves inflammation of the temporomandibular joint resulting in discomfort and pain when using the jaw. The joint can be so affected chewing is impaired and the diet is affected.
There are two types of TMJ syndrome caused by different problems. TMJ pain caused by muscle spasm involves the muscle that move the jaw and does not involve underlying joint disease. Pain caused from joint problems is anatomical and related to the joint itself not working properly. It can be difficult to determine which of these problems are causing your pain and further complicated by the fact both problems may be occurring at once.
Your dentist or doctor will probably refer you to a maxilla-facial surgeon for further evaluation if he thinks you have TMJ.
So what are the symptoms of TMJ syndrome? Ask yourself if you have any of these symptoms. Do you have grinding, popping, clicking, catching or locking of the jaw on movement? Do you have trouble opening your mouth widely? You should be able to insert three fingers into your mouth sideways with your thumb pointing up. Do you have persistent headaches, ear aches or toothache the dentist can find no cause for? Do you have pain when you chew your food? Any of these symptoms could indicate TMJ syndrome.
How can TMJ be treated? Doctors may recommend NSAID's such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or some other anti-inflammatory. If grinding your teeth is thought to be the cause of your TMJ a night guard to prevent tooth grinding at night may be ordered by your dentist or doctor. Moist heat or ice to the tender area can sometime relieve soreness and inflammation. A soft diet can decrease the stress on your temporomandibular joint and help decrease soreness. Steroid injections either intramuscularly or possibly into the joint itself can bring relief for a time. Only when these measures don't work will surgery be considered.
Surgery for TMJ is generally performed by a maillo-facial surgeon. Procedure can range from an arthrocentisis, which is irrigation of the joint, takes approximately 15 minutes and can be done under light sedation, to a total replacement of the TMJ joint. Surgery for TMJ is usually successful in decreasing pain and improving function. Risk can include swelling, bleeding, infection and possible damage to the facial nerves.
TMJ can be progressive. Damage can increase each time the jaw gets "stuck" causing further deterioration of the joint. If you think you may have this problem follow up with your doctor or dentist for evaluation and professional information on treatment.
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