TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that causes discomfort and difficulty when moving your jaw. Your temporomandibular joints are the two joints located right in front of your ears. These joints enable all of your jaw movements, including up, down and sideways. Myofascial pain is the pain in the muscles that move the jaw. Dislocation or abnormal structuring of the jaw joint and degenerative joint disease in the jaw are collectively known as TMJ.
Symptoms
TMJ occurs when there is a problem with the jaw joints. One side of the jaw aches and pain runs down the side of the neck. Pain occurs near the ears. Clicking and popping noises may occur when your mouth opens and shuts. It is painful to chew or open your mouth wide. Your jaw may become frozen in an open or closed position.
Causes
Jaw fractures or joint dislocations can create impaired jaw movement. Displaced discs within the joints often cause TMJ. Arthritis of the temporomandibular joint can cause a degenerative form of TMJ. Teeth grinding and clenching from stress can make TMJ worse by putting strain on the joints. Stress plays a role in the pain of TMJ by over-tensing the muscles through the face and down the neck.
Prevention
Protect your jaw from injury. Wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports. Wear your seat belt when traveling in an automobile. Control stress by practicing yoga, exercise, massage, meditation and other stress-reducing strategies. Avoid muscle tensing when concentrating; this will reduce the pain in your jaw and neck. Eliminate repetitive gum chewing that overworks the jaw joints.
Diagnosis
TMJ is diagnosed by a dentist or by a doctor who specializes in facial pain. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, dental history and a physical examination. The physician may listen for jaw popping or clicking noises. He also may check your jaw for pain and for range of motion. X-rays and MRIs are used to take images of the joints to check for arthritis.
Treatments
TMJ and the neck pain associated with it are usually temporary conditions that will respond to self-care. It is best to use conservative treatment, because invasive cures are unproven and could make the problem worse. Start by taking a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. Wrap an ice cube in a washcloth and place on the painful joint. Follow this with a hot compress to the temporomandibular joint and neck to loosen aching muscles. Muscle relaxants can improve the range of motion of the joint, as well.
Tags: temporomandibular joint, range motion, reduce pain, your mouth