All About Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)

Temporomandibular joint is the part of body that is directly in front of the ear canal on both sides of the head where the upper jaw and lower jaw join. The joint consists of many moving parts, which makes scope for the upper jaw to close on the lower jaw. The joint is functional when we move the jaw, talk, yawn, bite and chew something. Basically, this is one of the most frequently used joints in the human body. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, commonly known as TMJ, is a term that covers acute or chronic swelling of the temporomandibular joint and the muscles surrounding it. Acupuncture Melbourne can help treat this condition.

Causes

The disorder could be due to several factors causing damage to or weakening the joint. The factors include.

Habits such as clenching and grinding of the jaws can over a period of time cause TMJ.

External trauma to the joint region, which can also cause its dislocation.

Overstretching the lower jaw beyond its limit can damage the ligaments around the joint, leading to development of this disorder.

Underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and facial deformities can cause destruction of the cartilage around the joint leading to this disorder. While osteoarthritis affects the old, rheumatoid arthritis can affect even young children.

Symptoms

Many patients experience ear pains, without any visible sign of infection. This pain is generally felt in the front or below the ear.

Some patients can hear a constant crunching, grinding, buzzing or popping sound that may be medically termed as crepitus. The sounds may be accompanied by increased pain.

In certain cases, the jaw movement may be reduced, which gives a general feeling of jaw being struck or locked.

Some patients may experience dizziness or imbalance, something similar to vertigo.

There are patients who report a clicking sound while chewing or a jaw lock.

Other symptoms include backache, stiffness of shoulders and headache. Most of these symptoms are experienced in the morning hours and especially after a period of rest and inactivity.

Treatment

The treatment may include a variety of methods ranging from simple home remedies to surgery in cases where the condition is more severe.

Common painkillers such as aspirin can be used to alleviate the symptoms.

Heat and ice therapy may be used to reduce muscle tension.

Limiting food intake to only semi-fluid or fluids can also provide some relief.

Specific exercises can be done to main mobility of the joints. This includes gently opening and closing the jaw and side to side movements with compression to ease the pain.

If the patient has a habit of teeth grinding, a bite guard can be placed in his/her mouth to prevent further gnashing of the teeth together.

Teeth structure and arrangement can be corrected to help facilitate better jaw movement. This dental correction may include the use of orthodontic braces, tooth implants and correction of tooth fillings.

Arthrocentesis can also help treat this disorder. This is a procedure used to drain any fluid that may have accumulated around the joint due to inflammation.

Oral or maxillofacial surgery may be used in cases of arthritis to repair the joint. In certain cases, a whole joint replacement may be necessary.

TMJ disorder can be prevented by understanding the all the causes of joint pain and any impeding risk related to this problem. Depression and anxiety can both contribute to this condition. If you have a habit of biting your nails or chewing gum, then you need to stop, as they can lead to this disorder.