|
"TMJ"
stands for TemporoMandibular Joint,
or the jaw joint. You have two TMJs, one in front of each ear,
connecting the lower jaw bone (the mandible) to the skull. The joints
allow movement up and down, side to side, and forward and back—all the
mobility necessary for biting, chewing and swallowing food, for speaking
and for making facial expressions.
TMJ
Diseases/Disorders:
Temporomandibular joint diseases and disorders, commonly called TMJ, are
a collection of poorly understood conditions characterized by pain in
the jaw and surrounding tissues and limitations in jaw movements. Injury
and conditions that routinely affect other joints in the body, such as
Arthritis, also affect the temporomandibular joint.
For more information,
visit TMJ Association |
 |
|
|
Who is Affected
by TMJ Diseases/Disorders:
The National Institute of Dental and
Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
states that over 10 million people in the United States suffer from TMJ
problems at any given time. While both men and women experience TMJ
problems, the majority of those seeking treatment are women in their
childbearing years.
Causes:
Not all causes are known. Some possible causes or
contributing factors are injuries to the jaw area, various forms of
Arthritis, dental procedures, genetics, hormones, low-level infections,
auto-immune diseases, stretching of the jaw as occurs with inserting a
breathing tube before surgery, and clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing TMJ diseases and disorders can be difficult and confusing.
For example, facial pain can be a symptom of many conditions, such as
sinus or ear infections, decayed or abscessed teeth, various types of
headache, and facial neuralgia (nerve-related facial pain).
At present, there is no widely accepted, standard test to correctly
identify all TMJ conditions. In most cases, however, a complete
evaluation, including a detailed medical history, the patient’s
description of symptoms, and physical examination of the head, neck,
face and jaw provide information useful for making a diagnosis.
Tests that are recommended are often intended to rule out other possible
medical conditions. A diagnosis of TMJ diseases and disorders may be
made only after every other possibility has been considered and
eliminated. Many TMJ patients see multiple healthcare providers, such as
primary care physicians, dentists, sleep specialists, ear, nose and
throat specialists, neurologists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists,
pain specialists, chiropractors, etc., in their search for answers.
Before undergoing any costly diagnostic test, it is always wise to get
an independent opinion from another healthcare provider of your choice
and one not associated with your current provider.
Progression of TMJ Diseases and Disorders:
Some TMJ problems improve on their own, without treatment, within weeks
or months with simple home therapy. For others, symptoms worsen over
time and develop into long-term, persistent and debilitating pain. Most
people with TMJ problems have relatively mild or periodic symptoms.
Symptoms:
Pain is the most common symptom. TMJ
pain is often described as a dull aching pain in the jaw joint and
nearby areas, including the ear, which comes and goes. Some people,
however, report no pain, but still have problems using their jaws. Other
symptoms can include:
-
Being unable to open the mouth
comfortably
-
Clicking, popping or grating
sounds in the jaw joint
-
Locking of the jaw when
attempting to open the mouth
-
Headaches
-
A bite that feels uncomfortable
or “off”
-
Neck, shoulder and back pain
-
Swelling on the side of the face
-
Additional symptoms may include:
ringing in the ears, ear pain, decreased hearing, dizziness and
vision problems.
Keep in mind that occasional
discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common, and is not
always a cause for concern. Many people with certain TMJ problems get
better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in
several weeks to months. However, if the pain is severe and lasts more
than a few weeks, see your healthcare provider.
Treatment:
Because most common jaw joint and muscle problems are temporary, lasting
only weeks or months, simple care is all that is usually needed to
relieve the discomfort. Self-care practices, for example, eating soft
foods, applying ice or moist heat, and avoiding extreme jaw movements
(such as wide yawning, loud singing, and gum chewing) are useful in
easing symptoms.
Unfortunately, treatments are based largely on beliefs that are not
grounded in thorough scientific research. As a result, some patients are
made worse by these treatments.
Insurance Coverage:
Many medical and dental insurance plans do not pay for treatment of jaw
joint and muscle disorders, or only pay for some procedures. Until the
causes of the various TMJ diseases and disorders have been discovered,
and quality science demonstrates that treatments are effective without
causing harm, insurance companies will not recognize treatments that
have questionable outcomes. Contact your insurance company to see which
treatments are covered.
Can TMJ Diseases/Disorders be Prevented?:
Patients who are told they should undergo treat-ment(s) to prevent the
development of a TMJ problem should know that there is currently no
evidence that such conditions can be prevented.
|
Surgical Wellness Center
Outpatient Surgery
301-588-6686
Accessible
Medical Care
Colon Cancer Screening
301-588-6686
See
your message here
|
