TMJ Flare Ups: Causes and Treatments
When the TMJ joint becomes inflamed or damaged, it can cause pain and discomfort, which is often referred to as a TMJ flare up. TMJ flare ups can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by a variety of symptoms.
In this article, we will explore the common causes of TMJ flare ups and discuss various treatment options that can help to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Table of Contents
TMJ Flare Ups: A General Overview
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It’s located in front of each ear and allows you to move your jaw up and down, side to side, and in a circular motion. When this joint becomes inflamed or damaged, it can cause pain and discomfort, which is often referred to as a TMJ flare-up.
If you get TMJ flare ups regularly, you may have a disorder called TMD. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD, includes any dysfunction or disability of the temporomandibular joint. How TMJ is treated may depend on the causes of the pain.
Common causes of TMD that trigger TMJ flare ups are:
- Damaged joint cartilage caused by arthritis
- The jaw is out of alignment causing jaw disk erosion
- Improper alignment of the bite
- Trauma to the jaw and jaw joint
- Long-term grinding and clenching
- Chronically overworking the jaw with constant movement over time
- Degenerative joint diseases like Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
TMJ Flare Up Symptoms
Symptoms of a TMJ flare-up can vary from person to person. Understanding the early signs of a TMJ flare up can help start early to find fast relief. Signs and symptoms of a TMJ flare up starting may include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- A clicking or popping sound when you move your jaw
- A feeling of fatigue in the jaw muscles
- Headaches or earaches
- Pain when you open your mouth wide
Common Causes of TMJ Flare Ups
TMJ flare ups can be caused by a number of different factors. Continual exposure to these factors may lead to regular TMJ flare ups or TMJ Disorder.
These are the most common:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, also known as bruxism
- Poor posture, especially when sitting or standing
- Stress, which can cause you to tighten your jaw muscles
- An injury or trauma to the jaw, face, or head
- Arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaw
- Eating hard or chewy foods
- Excessive Gum chewing
It’s important to note that the exact cause of a TMJ flare-up may not always be clear, and it may be the result of a combination of factors.
If you’re experiencing frequent or severe TMJ flare-ups, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider or a dental professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Effective Treatments for TMJ Flare Ups
There are a few at-home treatments you can do to find fast relief and help support the jaw. Here are some effective at-home treatments for TMJ flare ups:
- Rest Your Jaw: Avoid talking or chewing excessively, and try to eat softer foods.
- Apply Heat or Ice: Applying heat to the affected area can help to relax the muscles, while ice can help to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Always follow any medication instructions by the manufacturer and medical professional.
- Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods: Foods that make your jaw work more will stress the TMJ joint and supporting muscles.
- Try Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation techniques can help to reduce stress and tension, which may be contributing to your TMJ flare-up.
Check out our article, 10 Proven Ways of Treating TMJ at Home for more tips on relieving pain from TMJ flare ups.
If these self-care measures aren’t enough to relieve your symptoms, you may need to see a healthcare provider or dental professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Curing TMJ Disorders
If these at-home treatments don’t help your TMJ pain, your doctor may recommend prescription medications, physical therapy, or other treatments to manage your TMJ flare up.
A custom-fit night guard is a great way to alleviate pain and prevent damage to the anatomy surrounding the TMJ. A night guard is a barrier between the top and bottom teeth opening the jaw slightly. For more information on TMJ appliances, check out our Night Guards for TMJ article.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the temporomandibular joint. Surgical intervention may include Open-Joint Surgery, Modified Condylotomy, TMJ arthroscopy, and Arthrocentesis.
Our Finding the Cure to TMJ article provides additional information on the disorder.
Avoiding TMJ Flare Ups in the First Place
There are some preventable measures you may be able to take to avoid TMJ flare ups. These lifestyle changes can help prevent pain and improve the health of your jaw joint.
Here are some tips to help you prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) flare-ups:
Practice Good Posture: Make sure you’re sitting and standing up straight to help reduce strain on your jaw muscles.
Avoid Clenching or Grinding: This can put extra stress on the TMJ and lead to flare-ups. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dental professional about getting a mouthguard.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can lead to tightness in the jaw muscles, which can increase your risk of a TMJ flare-up. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress.
Eat a Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet can help to reduce inflammation and support healthy muscle function.
Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods: These can put extra strain on your jaw muscles and may contribute to a TMJ flare-up.
Avoid Overusing Your Jaw: Try to avoid talking or chewing excessively, and take breaks from activities that require a lot of jaw movement.
Protect Your Jaw From Injury: Wear a mouthguard during contact sports or other activities that may result in a blow to the face.
It’s important to note that the best way to prevent TMJ flare-ups may depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Consult your dentist and medical doctor to help find what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a TMJ flare-up?
When you have a TMJ flare up, the jaw can be triggered and create pain. Inflammation occurs around the muscles and ligaments that support the jaw and the temporomandibular joint. This can cause the jaw to stiffen and be quite painful.
How long do TMJ flares last?
Everyone’s TMJ flare ups is unique and can present themselves differently. A flare up can last a few days to even a few weeks. It’s important to treat the symptoms and support the jaw joint as best as possible to prevent further discomfort and damage.
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