TMJ is a condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding. If left untreated, TMJ can cause pain in the jaw and head, as well as other issues such as headaches and difficulty sleeping. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to relieve your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common treatments for TMJ and outline the steps you need to take to get started. If you’re suffering from TMJ and want to find relief, read on!
What is TMJ?
TMJ is a type of toothache. It is most common in the jaw and can be caused by a variety of things, including:
– Sleeping on your jaw incorrectly
– Stress
– Poor dental hygiene
– TMJ disorders (such as arthritis)
– Traumatic injury
– Genetics
Types of TMJ
Physical therapy can help people with TMJ symptoms, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The institute says there are three types of TMJ: clenching, grinding and popping.
Clenching is when the lower jawbone or mandible clashes together. Grinding is when the jawbone rubs against each other. Poping is when the jawbone pops out of its socket.
Physical therapy can help people with these symptoms by teaching them how to relax their jaws and muscles, and how to use different massage techniques to relieve pain. It can also help patients learn how to sleep in a comfortable position, eat a healthy diet, and take medications as prescribed by their doctor.
Causes of TMJ
TMJ is a term for joint disease and is caused by wear, tear, and overuse of the male or female jaw hinge. TMJ can be caused by arthritis or other conditions that can interrupt your daily life, like sports-related injuries.
Physical therapy for TMJ may help improve jaw function by reducing pain or inflammation in the TMJ and surrounding muscles. Physical therapy may also help to restore the range of motion (ROM) in the TMJ, which can improve chewing and swallowing. Physical therapy may also help to reduce tension in the muscle surrounding the TMJ.
TMJ surgery may be necessary to treat conditions that cause TMJ pain or to correct abnormalities in the joint. Surgery may involve removal of the affected bone or joint, or replacement of the affected bone or joint with an implant.
TMJ may also be caused by other conditions, such as:
-Headache
-Neck pain
-TMJ syndrome (a rare condition that includes features of both TMJ and trigeminal neuralgia)
-Craniofacial muscular dystrophy
Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ causes pain, clicking, and popping noises from teeth. This can be a symptom of aggravation in the jaw joint.
There are many possible causes of TMJ, including incorrect bite alignment, muscle tension, and misaligned teeth.
Physical therapy can help to relieve symptoms of TMJ by helping to correct the underlying cause. Physical therapy may also include exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding the jaw, as well as treatments such as heat and cold therapies.
Treatment Options for TMJ
There are a variety of treatments that can be used to help ease the symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. These treatments may include physical therapy, surgery, and pharmacological treatments.
Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for TMJ dysfunction. Physical therapy can help improve range of motion and relieve pain. Surgery may be necessary if there is significant pain or if the range of motion is not sufficient with physical therapy. Pharmacological treatments include medications that are prescribed by a doctor to relieve pain or reduce inflammation.
If physical therapy is not effective or if surgery is not an option, a patient may need to use a mouth guard to help reduce pain and protect the teeth.
If TMJ dysfunction is causing significant distress or if there is another medical condition that is complicating the symptoms, a patient may be referred to a specialist for additional treatment.
There is no definitive treatment for TMJ dysfunction. Treatment options may vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and needs.
If you are experiencing pain or difficulty with your TMJ, it is important to speak with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to recommend a treatment plan that will help reduce your symptoms.
Conclusion
If you suffer from TMJ, you know that it can be a very frustrating condition. The pain can range from mild to excruciating, and it can impact your life in innumerable ways. If you are looking for a way to reduce the symptoms of TMJ, physical therapy could be an excellent option for you. Physical therapy may help to improve your jaw function, which in turn will reduce the amount of pain you experience. If this sounds like something that would be beneficial for you, speak with your therapist about whether PT is right for you.