TMJ/TMD Treatment
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, or jaw joint. Temporomandibular disorders are characterized by pain in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues frequently associated with limitations in jaw movements. Research has shown that TMJ is a complex multisystem condition involving the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, exocrine, immune, muscular, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, and skeletal systems. TMJ is no longer seen as a condition confined solely to the areas of the jaws and teeth.
While both men and women experience these disorders, the majority experiencing the most severe symptoms are women in their childbearing years.
Symptoms
Symptoms can range from sounds in the joint to severe, debilitating pain and dysfunction. However, some people report no pain but still have problems moving their jaws. Symptoms may include the following:
- Pain in the jaw muscles, neck, or shoulders
- Chronic headaches
- Jaw muscle stiffness
- Limited movement/locking of the jaw
- Ear pain, pressure, fullness, or ringing in the ears
- Grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing
- A bite that feels “off”
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
Treatment Options
- Medications
- A splint or night guard
- Dental work
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Ultrasound
- Trigger-point injections
- Radio wave therapy
- Low-level laser therapy
