The temporomandibular joint refers to the joint that links the jawbone to the skull. Injury or damage to this joint results in a localized pain disorder referred to as temporomandibular joint syndrome. This article will discuss the main causes and treatment as well various facts about this medical condition. Before that, when in need of the best dentists with specialty in TMJ treatment Atlanta should be a place to give first consideration.
Temporomandibular joint syndrome targets the nerves and muscles contained in the jaws. Since it is the nerves and muscles that are affected, any action involving the jaws may cause tremendous pain. Such actions include crackling, clinking, chewing or popping jaws. Patients common complain of having bruxism, Eustachian tube dysfunction, nerve inflammation, headaches, and painful tempos. The temporomandibular joint may in some instances get discolored. TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder is the other name used to refer to this problem. Cold and application of pressure to the tempos are some of the common trigger of pain.
The symptoms experienced usually vary from one individual to the next. Additional symptoms commonly observed are shoulder pain, blurred vision, muscle spasms, pain in the base of the tongue, and dislocation of jaws among many others. These symptoms may vary as the disease worsens or heals. Some symptoms also disappear and reappear on their own.
It is not completely understood what causes TMD. Muscle dysfunction and tightness that this condition is characterized by can be caused by multiple factors. Enough evidence does not exist to prove if some of these factors lead to the condition or if they result from the condition. Some of the common causes include misalignment of the jaws, trauma to the jaws, teeth grinding, poor posture, and stress.
This medical condition is also associated with several different risk factors. For example, the jaws and neck are strained if one maintains poor head posture for too long, something that causes TMJ syndrome. People who are excessively stressed up experience jaw clenching and muscle tension in the jaws. Women at the age of 18 to 44 are also at a higher risk of developing the problem. Chronic inflammatory arthritis predisposes patients to the development of the problem. Lastly, misalignment in the jaws can lead to the development of the problem.
There is a wide range of treatment options available for treating this condition. Medications can be prescribed for relieving associated pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers are the most commonly prescribed medications. Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal non-inflammatory medications are the ones prescribed for patients. Tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed to relieve pain if necessary too. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to relax muscles.
In cases where traditional methods do not relieve the pain, surgical methods may be opted for. Open-joint surgery is usually an option in cases where the cause of the problem is structural. The surgery is done to repair or replace the damaged joint to resolve the problem.
Open-joint surgery is not a procedure without risks and complications. It is more risky than traditional treatments. As such, it important to discuss with the doctor about the pros and cons associated with the process before settling on it. Suitability of candidates varies and it is why it is important to consider all factors involved.
Temporomandibular joint syndrome targets the nerves and muscles contained in the jaws. Since it is the nerves and muscles that are affected, any action involving the jaws may cause tremendous pain. Such actions include crackling, clinking, chewing or popping jaws. Patients common complain of having bruxism, Eustachian tube dysfunction, nerve inflammation, headaches, and painful tempos. The temporomandibular joint may in some instances get discolored. TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder is the other name used to refer to this problem. Cold and application of pressure to the tempos are some of the common trigger of pain.
The symptoms experienced usually vary from one individual to the next. Additional symptoms commonly observed are shoulder pain, blurred vision, muscle spasms, pain in the base of the tongue, and dislocation of jaws among many others. These symptoms may vary as the disease worsens or heals. Some symptoms also disappear and reappear on their own.
It is not completely understood what causes TMD. Muscle dysfunction and tightness that this condition is characterized by can be caused by multiple factors. Enough evidence does not exist to prove if some of these factors lead to the condition or if they result from the condition. Some of the common causes include misalignment of the jaws, trauma to the jaws, teeth grinding, poor posture, and stress.
This medical condition is also associated with several different risk factors. For example, the jaws and neck are strained if one maintains poor head posture for too long, something that causes TMJ syndrome. People who are excessively stressed up experience jaw clenching and muscle tension in the jaws. Women at the age of 18 to 44 are also at a higher risk of developing the problem. Chronic inflammatory arthritis predisposes patients to the development of the problem. Lastly, misalignment in the jaws can lead to the development of the problem.
There is a wide range of treatment options available for treating this condition. Medications can be prescribed for relieving associated pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers are the most commonly prescribed medications. Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal non-inflammatory medications are the ones prescribed for patients. Tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed to relieve pain if necessary too. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to relax muscles.
In cases where traditional methods do not relieve the pain, surgical methods may be opted for. Open-joint surgery is usually an option in cases where the cause of the problem is structural. The surgery is done to repair or replace the damaged joint to resolve the problem.
Open-joint surgery is not a procedure without risks and complications. It is more risky than traditional treatments. As such, it important to discuss with the doctor about the pros and cons associated with the process before settling on it. Suitability of candidates varies and it is why it is important to consider all factors involved.
About the Author:
When you are searching for information about a TMJ treatment Atlanta residents can pay a visit to our web pages online today. More details are available at http://caugheydds.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment