TMD (Jaw Pain) Therapy
A subtle misalignment in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can often be a significant source of head and neck pain, and it is commonly misdiagnosed or overlooked. TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, can even cause some migraines.
Although many cases of TMJ pain resolve without major treatment, some patients require long-term solutions. TMD symptoms and treatments can vary significantly among patients, and unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
Managing Pain in TMD
For most patients seeking help with TMD, pain management is a critical aspect of treatment. Hot or cold therapy, jaw strengthening exercises (similar to physical therapy for jaw muscles), and pain medication for short-term relief can be effective for some individuals.
Understanding TMD
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull, and you use it whenever you move your jaw, such as when chewing, swallowing, speaking, or yawning. Jaw pain stemming from this joint is classified as TMD and can be felt in the joint or connecting muscles. Various factors can cause TMD, including injury, grinding or pressure, arthritis, misalignment, or stress.
Beyond pain, other symptoms of TMD can include popping or grinding sounds when moving the jaw, tenderness, stiffness, or jaw locking. Dentists often consider these additional factors when diagnosing TMD.
Treatment Options
If your dentist believes that stress or pressure on the jaw joint contributes to your TMD symptoms, you may benefit from relaxation techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or muscle relaxation medication. Easing tension in the muscles around the jaw can help. Patients who grind their teeth while sleeping might find a night guard useful for reducing pressure and easing pain.
Lifestyle changes may also alleviate symptoms and allow your joint and surrounding muscles to recover. Patients might opt for soft foods instead of crunchy or chewy ones, avoid large jaw movements, or quit chewing gum to give their jaw muscles a break.
In some cases, orthodontic treatment to fix misaligned bites or Botox injections in the muscles around the joint can relieve symptoms. However, these options are generally explored if other methods haven’t improved the patient’s condition.
In severe TMD cases, with consistent, intense pain or limited jaw mobility that impedes eating or drinking, your dentist may recommend surgery. This last-resort treatment option is considered after conservative treatments have failed to provide relief.
If you experience frequent and severe head or neck pain, it’s worth investigating our doctor’s life-changing approach to correcting TMJ problems. Call us to schedule a consultation and discuss what we can do for you.