T.M.J.

"TMJ" stands for Temperomandibular Joint, the hinge-like joint where the lower jaw attaches to the skull. The initials, however, are commonly used to refer to a collection of poorly understood conditions characterized by pain in the jaw and surrounding tissues and limitations in jaw movements. Some patients report no pain, but still experience difficulty in using their jaws.

Approximately 35 million people in the United States suffer from TMJ problems. Not all causes are known. Injuries, infection, arthritis, auto-immune diseases, and genetic and/or hormonal factors may all play a part. One or both joints may be affected, which can affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, and even breathe.

Signs of TMJ Disorders.

Some common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• Dull ache in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including one or both ears
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Chronic headaches
• Jaw muscle stiffness
• Llimited jaw movement, or locking of the jaw
• Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
• Problems with your bite; a bite that feels "off"
• Ear pain or pressure and/or ringing in the ears
• Decrease in hearing
• Dizziness and vision problems

Occasional jaw discomfort is not necessarily cause for concern, and sometimes a TMJ problem will go away on its own. But if you experience severe pain that lasts for more than a few weeks, please call our office.

Diagnosis & Treatment of TMJ Disorders.

Diagnosis of a TMJ disorder can be tricky. Facial pain can indicate many other conditions, including sinus or ear infection, neuralgia, decayed or abscessed teeth, and much more. Ruling out other conditions is often the approach. In their search for answers, a TMJ patient may go through a series of healthcare specialists.

There is currently no evidence that TMJ conditions can be prevented. Since most TMJ problems tend to come and go, we focus on relieving the symptoms, including self-care strategies such as eating soft foods, applying ice or moist heat, and avoiding extreme jaw movements.

For more information, please talk to any of our helpful and caring team members.