The temporomandibular joint and its proper functioning play a very important role in our health, and a possible dysfunction can cause pain in various muscles, facial pain, headache, problems with our body’s balance and other symptoms.
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the temporal bones of the skull, just in front of the ears.
Every time we chew, swallow and speak, we use this joint.
Causes:
For many people with temporomandibular joint disorders, the cause is unknown. The explanations given for these conditions are not well documented.
These include:
- Poor alignment of the teeth or orthodontic braces
- Stress and clenching the teeth. Many people with TMJ problems do not clench their teeth, and many who clench their teeth for a long time have no TMJ problems. In some people, the stress associated with this disorder may have been caused by the pain, rather than being the cause of the problem.
- Other possible causes of TMJ-related symptoms include arthritis, fractures, dislocations and structural problems present at birth
This syndrome presents a variety of symptoms. 1) A characteristic “clicking” sound when opening and closing the mouth.
2) A grating sound.
3) Headache or migraine.
4) Dizziness.
5) Ringing in the ears.
6) Excessive wear of the teeth.
7) Pain in the joint area during movement.
8) Pain in the neck area.
9) Ear pain.
10) Sensitivity to light.
11) When the mouth opens and closes, the movement follows a “zigzag” course.
12) In severe cases, the range of mouth opening is reduced.
13) Difficulty concentrating, “foggy” thinking.
14) Changes in the person’s personality: irritability, depression, lack of self-respect, self-centredness and hypochondria.
Examinations and TestsYou may need to see more than one specialist for TMJ pain and symptoms, such as an ENT specialist or a dentist, depending on your symptoms.A full examination may include: A dental examination to investigate whether your bite is misaligned
Palpation of the joint and chewing muscles for tenderness
Pressure around the head to identify tender or painful areas
Sliding the teeth from side to side
Observing, palpating and listening to the joint as it opens and closes
X-rays to reveal any abnormalities.
Your doctor should also consider other conditions, such as infections, ear infections, neuralgia or neurological problems and headaches, as the cause of your symptoms.
Management
The first step in treating TMJ syndrome is to relieve the pain the patient feels, especially if it is severe and caused even by small jaw movements.Pain can be reduced with:
- Medication, such as painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants.
- Warm or cold compresses, which relax muscle tension and reduce pain.
- Gentle massage of the muscles that move the jaw
- Avoid activities that cause symptoms, such as yawning and chewing gum.
- Learn stress-reduction techniques.
- Exercising several times a week may help you increase your tolerance of pain.
- Special protective mouth splints are used to manage clenching, grinding of the teeth and TMJ disorders.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture relieves pain, releases muscle spasm in the temporomandibular joint area and also addresses the symptoms of headache, neck pain, stress, depression and difficulty concentrating. It is a holistic treatment that either complements the indicated therapeutic approach or is also used as a standalone treatment.
Jaw joint discomfort and assessment
The relationship to chewing or jaw movement helps describe discomfort. It does not identify a cause by itself.
The Medical Acupuncture Methods page explains the method; More articles on health and acupuncture gathers related articles.
Understanding pain and treatment goals
What should I mention about jaw pain?
Describe location, duration, the relationship to chewing or movement and any limited opening. An appropriate professional considers these with an examination.
What information helps a clinician assess pain?
Location, duration, intensity and effects on movement or sleep provide different information. Previous injuries, investigations and treatments already tried also help frame the discussion.