TMJ specialists are very useful health care providers these days because of their talent on how they can address TMJ disorders. Are you looking for a TMJ specialist near Sydney? Then here’s a heads up before talking to one.
Temporomandibular joint or TMJ for short is the joint connecting your skull to your lower jaw or the mandible. Its function is to enable the jaw to close and open and also allows you to eat and speak. It has been termed as TMJ to connect it to a group of disorders related to this joint.
Studies revealed that TMJ disorders are more common among women than in men. Though they can be managed, it has a lot of causes, making the real cause difficult to diagnose. That’s why TMJ specialists are highly appreciated, knowing the complexity of the case.
Causes of TMJ Disorder
The real cause of a TMJ disorder is still unknown even up to this point. Though there are sayings that the joint or jaw is a contributor in the disorder, there are various health conditions that are said to contribute to the development of the disorder. Here are some of them.
- Joint erosion
- Arthritis
- Habitual teeth clenching or grinding
- Congenital jaw problems.
There are also some factors known to contribute to the development of TMJ but are not considered the primary cause. Some of them include:
- Wearing of orthodontic braces
- Sleep deprivation
- Unhealthy diet
- Chronic stress
- Improper posture that gives strain to the facial and neck muscles
TMJ Symptoms
There is a wide range of symptoms when it comes to TMJ disorders, although the most common would be pain felt on the jaw and its surrounding muscles. Other manifestations would include:
- Facial or neck pain
- Stiffness of jaw muscles
- Restricted jaw movement
- Jaw lock
- Popping or clicking sound heard on the TMJ site
- Malocclusion, or an abnormal change in the alignment of the upper and lower teeth
The symptoms may be manifested either on one or both sides of the face.
How TMJ Specialists Treat TMJ Disorders
For mild disorders, TMJ specialists would usually recommend home care remedies or apply self-practices. Here are some suggestions to easy the symptoms:
- Apply ice to minimise swelling
- Limit jaw movements
- Go on a soft diet
- Avoid intake of hard-to-chew foods like beef jerky or gum
- Limit stress
- Practice jaw-stretching exercises to promote jaw movement improvement
If for some instance that home care remedies aren’t effective, TMJ specialists may recommend the following methods:
- Analgesics such as Ibuprofen
- Muscle relaxants such as Valium
- Corticosteroids or drugs to reduce swelling
- Stress-reducing therapies
The last resort to address TMJ disorders would be joint replacement surgery, arthrocentesis or the removal of debris or fluid from the join and dental treatment to properly realign the bite and teeth.
Most TMJ disorder cases require lifestyle modifications accompanied with prescribed medication to lessen episodes of discomfort and pain. It’s highly recommended to have regular consultation with TMJ specialists to effectively address the problem.
