It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Unfortunately, many of these individuals fail to obtain the proper treatment. They are instead forced to endure a significant amount of pain and discomfort.
Thankfully, there are a host of innovative solutions which are capable of providing the relief that you have desperately search for. Let us first examine some of the causes of TMJ before moving on to discuss how this condition can be effectively treated.
The Causes and Symptoms of TMJ
There are a handful of reasons why an individual may develop TMJ. Here are some of the most common:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Incorrect lifestyle habits (such as incorrect posture)
- Chewing hard or gummy foods
- A misaligned jaw
A clinician will therefore examine your current situation in order to determine if these conditions are present. He or she may also perform in-depth procedures such as x-rays or CT scans if another issue is suspected.
Of course, the concurrent symptoms will also be used to diagnose the presence of TMJ. These can include (but may not be limited to) clicking or grinding sensations within the jaw, difficulty chewing food, pain around the face, or the inability to fully open your mouth.
What Are Your Treatment Options?
Let us imagine that you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder. What treatment options are at your disposal? The most common involve non-invasive procedures. These include monitoring the types of foods that you eat, wearing an appliance in order to avoid grinding your teeth and managing your levels of stress (if this is a perceived cause).
There can still be times when the solutions mentioned above fail to provide relief. In such scenarios, more targeted solutions may need to be considered. For example, a dentist or orthodontist may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgery. In rare instances, your pain may be caused by other underlying health issues such as arthritis or a localised tumour. The best way to rule out these situations is to speak with a professional sooner as opposed to later.
There is no reason why anyone who has been diagnosed with TMJ disorder should continue to suffer in silence. There are many unique options at your disposal and these can offer amazing results. Make it a point to consult with a specialist if you feel that a problem is present.
