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TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint is a disorder of the jaw joints or chewing muscles that cause pain when they no longer function properly.
The two Temporomandibular (TM) joints, located on each side of your head in front of the ears, are the most used joints in the entire body because they work together for chewing, talking, singing, shouting and swallowing.
Muscles attach both the bones and joints. Each joint has a small disc which allows smooth movement of the jaw when functioning. When the chewing muscles and jaw joints do not function properly together, TMJ disorder is the result. Displaced joints can cause mild discomfort to severe pain.
If you suffer with headaches, dizziness, jaw fatigue, earaches, facial pain, difficulty in closing the teeth together, pain when chewing or neck and shoulder stiffness, it may be TMJ disorder.
More About TMJ -
It is estimated that as
many as one in every four Americans suffer from one or
more symptoms of TMJ disorders. While the majority of
sufferers are women, men, young children and adolescence
also suffer with symptoms. Temporomandibular Joint
Disorders (TMD/TMJ) can be difficult to diagnose and
treat because the problem often crosses over into
several different specialties in medicine and dentistry.
People who suffer from this disorder have typically
visited many different health care professionals -- all
of whom may have a piece of the puzzle, yet they
continue to have problems with their TM joints.
The two TM joints, located on each side of your head in
front of the ears, are the most used joints in the
entire body because they work together for chewing,
talking, singing, shouting and swallowing. Muscles
attach both the bones and joints.
Each joint has a small disc which allows smooth movement
of the jaw when functioning. When the chewing muscles
and jaw joints do not function properly together, TMJ
disorder is the result. Displaced joints can cause mild
discomfort to severe pain.
Here is a list of symptoms to determine if you have a
TMJ disorder:
Headaches
Teeth that do not meet properly
Dizziness
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Ringing or stuffiness in the ears
Pain or pressure behind eyes
Shoulder stiffness
Facial Pain
Limited opening of the jaw
Jaw clicking or pain
Jaw goes to one side when opening
Neck pain
Tingling or numbness in arms
Teeth sensitive to cold
Yes, it is hard to believe that symptoms
include eyes, mouth, throat, ears, jaw and neck are
associated with TMJ disorder. It is imperative that you
be screened by a dentist trained and experienced in
these disorders. Treatment is usually indicated when you
suffer with any of the above listed symptoms.
DIAGNOSTICS
Along with a
health history, we perform a thorough exam, appropriate
x-rays, range of motion testing, joint vibration analysis, jaw
tracking, and other diagnostics on an as-needed basis. This
helps us to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
ADVANCED STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT: A wide range of diagnostic
methods are available to identify head, neck, facial and TMJ
problems. Each method isused only as needed in each individual
case. These tests might include:
JVA – Joint Vibration Analysis
Jaw tracking computerized equipment
EMG – Electromyography
Tomographic X-ray scanning
Special radiographic studies
CAUSES (Causes of TMJ disorder)
There are many causes like trauma (blow to the head, whiplash), malocclusion (bad bite or missing teeth), poor posture, bruxism (teeth
grinding) or skeletal malformation, arthritis in the joint or
clenching brought on by stress. Anything that keeps these
muscles, bones and joints from working together harmoniously
is called TMJ disorder.
TREATMENTS (Treatments of TMJ disorder)
Our office provides the latest in techniques for diagnosis and treatment
of TMJ and CMD. If you suffer with headaches, dizziness, jaw
fatigue, earaches, facial pain, difficulty in closing the
teeth together, pain when chewing or neck and shoulder
stiffness, it may be TMJ disorder. Pain complaints may involve
the chewing muscles, the jaw joints, the jaws or even the
teeth.
Medication, physical modality therapy and other therapies
available in our office include:
Splints
High Voltage Stimulation
Ultrasound
Iontophoresis
Spray & Stretch
Trigger Point Injections
Prolotherapy
TENS
Medication
A custom fitted orthotic -- also known as a splint - is the
most suggested form of treatment. The splint helps eliminate
muscle spasm and pain which occur with bite imbalance. It also
stabilizes the TM joints. The purpose of the splint is to
balance the bite so the teeth, muscles and joints all work in
harmony -- without strain or pain.
Once the proper jaw position is established, patients may need
orthodontics or reconstruction. We have knowledge of
orthodontics and reconstruction, if needed and will direct the
completion of this jaw position with your orthodontist or
dentist. We can also offer referrals.
Along with a
health history, we perform a thorough exam, appropriate
x-rays, range of motion testing, joint vibration analysis, jaw
tracking, and other diagnostics on an as-needed basis. This
helps us to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.