The Cure to TMJ Disorder
Around 12% of people suffer from TMJ disorders, women being twice as likely to be effected compared to men. If you are one of the many people who suffer from TMJ, you know just how painful and frustrating the condition can be. You may have tried a variety of home treatments, but haven’t found anything to be a cure to TMJ pain.
Luckily, there are new treatment options available that can help you get back to living pain free. This article will discuss the new medical and surgical treatments for TMJ and how it can help you find relief from your symptoms.
Table of Contents
What is TMJ and What Are the Symptoms?
TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a condition that affects the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. It’s a condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw. If you’re unsure if you are suffering from TMJ, there are a number of different ways to tell.
One common symptom is a clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth. You may also feel pain or tenderness in your jaw, face, neck, or shoulders. Another common sign of TMJ is difficulty opening your mouth wide.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor or dentist for an evaluation. Only a professional can properly diagnose TMJ and recommend a proper course of treatment.
Left untreated, TMJ can lead to long-term damage to the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Therefore, if you think you may have TMJ, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible.
What Are The Causes and Is TMJ Curable?
TMJ disorders are a type of muscle disorder that affects the jaw, making it difficult to move the mouth and causing pain. The cause of TMJ is not fully understood, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of factors, including genetics, arthritis, teeth grinding, and jaw injury.
The short answer to the question ‘is TMJ curable’ is, yes! If you suffer from TMJ, then rest assured that there are many options that will help reduce or eliminate your pain. As stated above, the first step is to contact a doctor or dentist for evaluation.
The Permanent Cure to TMJ
Treatment for TMJ typically focuses on relieving pain and restoring normal jaw function. Pain relief may be achieved through the use of over-the-counter pain medications, ice packs, and moist heat. Check out our article Treating TMJ At Home for more tips.
For more severe cases of TMJ, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or muscle relaxants. In addition, physical therapy exercises may be recommended to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the jaw.
If conservative treatment methods are unsuccessful in relieving symptoms, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem. Whether it’s a relatively mild case or a more severe case, figuring out how to cure TMJ permanently is a conversation best had with your doctor or dentist.
Non-Medical Treatment
A non-medical cure to TMJ disorders typically includes a combination of oral splints, physical therapy, and counseling. These options represent the least invasive cure to TMJ.
- Oral splints are worn at night to help position the lower jaw correctly and prevent teeth grinding. Our article Using A Night Guard for TMJ has additional information.
- Physical therapy involves exercises and stretches to improve range of motion and reduce muscle tightness.
- Counseling can help to address any underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to the disorder.
With proper treatment, most people with TMJ disorders can find relief from their symptoms. You might find that these non-medical treatments are the key to cure TMJ permanently.
Medical Treatment Options
Tricyclic antidepressants, painkillers, and muscle relaxants are often used to treat TMJ.
- Tricyclic antidepressants work by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, which can help to reduce pain.
- Painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also be effective in reducing pain.
- Muscle relaxants can help to reduce muscle spasms and tenderness.
The cure to TMJ could be as easy as one of these medical options, however, it’s important to remember that speaking with a doctor before starting any new medications is an absolute necessity, as they can have unintended side effects.
Surgical Treatment Options for TMJ
There are several surgical treatment options that offer a cure to TMJ. These include open-joint surgery, modified condylotomy, TMJ arthroscopy, injection, and arthrocentesis.
Each of these procedures has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to discuss all of your options with your surgeon before making a decision.
- Open-joint surgery is the most invasive of the surgical options, and involves making an incision in the joint capsule to access the joint directly. This procedure can be effective in reducing pain and restoring function, but it carries a risk of complications such as infection and nerve damage.
- Modified condylotomy is a less invasive surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the muscles around the joint, rather than directly into the joint itself. This procedure can be effective in reducing pain and restoring function, but it carries a risk of complications such as infection and nerve damage.
- TMJ arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves inserting a small camera into the joint through a small incision. This procedure can be used to diagnose and treat various problems within the joint, but it is not always effective in reducing pain or restoring function.
- Injection is a nonsurgical treatment option that involves injecting medication into the joint to reduce pain and inflammation. This procedure can be effective in reducing pain, but it does not always restore function.
- Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using a needle to remove fluid from the joint. This procedure can be used to diagnose and treat various problems within the joint, but it is not always effective in reducing pain or restoring function.
Each of these surgical treatment options has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to discuss all of your options with your surgeon before making a decision. They all represent a possible cure to TMJ, but also may not be necessary for your specific case.
How to Prevent TMJ from Occurring
There are a few things you can do to prevent TMJ from occurring. One is to avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. This can be done by wearing a mouth guard at night or during times when you are more likely to clench or grind your teeth.
Another thing you can do is to avoid large bites and gum chewing. Try to chew evenly on both sides of your mouth. If you have dental work, make sure it fits properly and does not put undue pressure on your jaw. You should also maintain good posture and alignment in your neck and back.
And lastly, try to manage stress levels, as stress can contribute to TMJ. If you are doing all of these things and still experience TMJ, please see your doctor or dentist for further evaluation and to discuss all the treatment options listed above.
The cure to TMJ could be as easy as limiting stress and stopping yourself from clenching and grinding. At the same time, it may not be that simple. TMJ cases differ greatly, but pain relief can be achieved regardless of the severity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMJ go away on its own?
It is possible for TMJ pain to go away on its own. Depending on the trigger that caused it, TMJ pain can resolve itself over the course of a couple of days up to a few weeks. Avoid using the jaw joint as much as possible and practice anti-inflammatory actions like warm/cold compresses and massage.
How do you get rid of TMJ naturally?
For most people, you can relieve TMJ pain naturally. First, try to find what triggered the TMJ flare-up. Understanding the cause can help you support the jaw joint and supporting muscles in order to calm down. Our article Treating TMJ At Home has more tips for fast relief.
Can TMJ affect your brain?
Chronic TMJ pain can affect the whole body and quality of life. TMJ disorders can affect nerves that are associated with the brain and other areas of the body. Chronic pain also interferes with cognitive function and impairs physical, emotional, and mental health. Talk to your doctor today for more support in finding TMJ relief.
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