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 affects jaw muscles and nerves, causing a lot of pain when one chews, clicks, crackles, or popes the jaws. Other symptoms that patients experience include painful tempos, nerve inflammation, bruxism, headaches, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. In some cases, the temporomandibular joint becomes discolored. Another name for this medical condition is temporomandibular joint disorder, TMD. Pain may be triggered by certain factors such as cold and sleeping on the sides.
Different people experience different symptoms. Some people commonly experience additional symptoms such as shoulder pain, painful tongue, dislocation of jaws, blurred vision, muscle spasms among several others. Symptoms remain dynamic as the condition heals or worsen. There is also disappearance and reappearance of symptoms without any warning.
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.
It is important to understand that there is more risk associated with open-joint surgery than other treatment options. There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with this method that one must discuss carefully with their doctor. The risks may also be higher in certain patients than in others. Thus, many considerations should be taken into account to avoid complications after surgery.
Temporomandibular joint syndrome affects jaw muscles and nerves, causing a lot of pain when one chews, clicks, crackles, or popes the jaws. Other symptoms that patients experience include painful tempos, nerve inflammation, bruxism, headaches, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. In some cases, the temporomandibular joint becomes discolored. Another name for this medical condition is temporomandibular joint disorder, TMD. Pain may be triggered by certain factors such as cold and sleeping on the sides.
Different people experience different symptoms. Some people commonly experience additional symptoms such as shoulder pain, painful tongue, dislocation of jaws, blurred vision, muscle spasms among several others. Symptoms remain dynamic as the condition heals or worsen. There is also disappearance and reappearance of symptoms without any warning.
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.
It is important to understand that there is more risk associated with open-joint surgery than other treatment options. There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with this method that one must discuss carefully with their doctor. The risks may also be higher in certain patients than in others. Thus, many considerations should be taken into account to avoid complications after surgery.
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