In horse and buggy days whiplash was rare. Sure, a horse could bolt and cause a whiplash type reaction on passengers. But, let's face it-horses rarely spaced out and ran into the buggy in front of them.
There are many injuries that can be caused in this type of accident. They range from sprain/strain that clears up quickly to spinal cord damage resulting in death. Getting full compensation for whiplash means identifying, and getting each separate injury diagnosed and treated. One very common injury from whiplash is TMJ.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ or temporomandibular joint syndrome is an abnormal condition with facial pain and poor function of the lower jaw. It is caused by a defective or dislocated temporomandibular joint. This is your jaw joint.
What Are The Symptoms?
According to the TMJ Association: " TMJ pain is often described as a dull aching pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear, which comes and goes."
Other symptoms can include:
• Being unable to open the mouth comfortably
• Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
• Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
• Headaches
• A bite that feels uncomfortable or "off"
• Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Swelling on the side of the face
Additional symptoms may include: ringing in the ears, ear pain, decreased hearing, dizziness and vision problems.
Treatment for TMJ
Minor TMJ can sometimes be fixed very quickly by a chiropractor but if this fails you will need to see a specialist.
A TMJ specialist is usually a dentist who has special training in diagnosing and treating the disorder. The specialist may fit you with a splint. This is a plastic device that fits over your upper and lower teeth--kind of like a mouth guard used in football. This device can reduce grinding and clenching of the teeth. It is often worn at night.
If the splint does not work some dentists may try flushing out the joint. This is done by inserting two needles in the joint, a cleansing solution is pumped in through one and out through the other. Sound painful? It is! Fortunately for you a local anesthesia is used during the process.
This "two needles approach" can also be used to introduce pain medication into the joint.
Cortisone injections are another therapy used when the splint does not work. They can be very helpful in relieving inflammation and pain.
If all else fails, surgery is available as a final option to replace the jaw joints with artificial implants. If your doctor suggests surgery you should know that the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) advises that you seek a second opinion or two before proceeding.
Paying for TMJ Treatment
Many health insurance and dental insurance plans just say "no" to paying for TMJ treatment. However, if you were in a car crash and have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Med-Pay coverage you may find that such coverage will pay for the treatment.
TMJ specialists will sometimes work on a "lien basis" which means they get paid when your injury case settles. Once when a young mother needed TMJ surgery a letter was sent to every oral surgeon in her area. She found one who agreed to perform the surgery on a lien. The surgery fixed her problem.
Conclusion
TMJ problems are common after car crashes. Be aware of the symptoms and, if present, get checked out by a TMJ specialist. Finding and treating TMJ will add a lot of value to your injury case, not to mention long term relief that will be more valuable than money.
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