What You Need To Know About TMJ Disorder?

Do you often experience pain in the face, jaw, and around the ear that extends to the neck and shoulders? If you do, you might be experiencing from Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Check out what TMDs are and how can it can be resolved?
What are Temporomandibular Disorders?

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the affected area for the TMD which resulted from problems in the jaw joint, the jaw and the surrounding facial muscles. It is a group of TMD that has numerous causes which is common among women than men. The following are the multifaceted factors for the development of such disorders.

• Teeth clenching which exerts pressure in the Temporomandibular Joint.
• Stress is also a contributing factor. It tightens the jaw and facial muscles.
• The presence of other musculoskeletal disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
• The soft cushion between the socket and ball is dislocated.
• Punch to the jaw or trauma from the accident may dislocate the TMJ.

Manifestations of TMJ

The person may experience the following symptoms of TMJ that could affect his overall performance.

• Pain is noted when chewing or speaking. The tenderness can be located in the jaw joint area, around the ear, neck and shoulders.
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus or ringing sound inside the ear
• Fullness of the ear
• Grating or popping sounds can be heard in the jaw joint area
• Difficulty chewing
• The ability to open the mouth is limited

The management for the TMD

This medical concern needs attention to restore your daily performance and to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ. Preventing the complications of TMJ such as chronic headaches and chronic facial pain are also one goal of the course of treatment.
The treatment's approach for the Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is usually conservative since this syndrome is commonly temporary. The level of management may change depending on the severity of the TMD.

• Warm compresses to relieve pain symptoms of TMJ. If pain is present, cold compress can be applied.
• Soft diet to avoid too much pressure in the jaw joint area.
• Perform TMJ exercise.
• The doctor may apply a bite plate to reduce grinding and clenching of the teeth.
• Taking the prescribed pain relievers.
• Injection of the prescribed cortisone may help alleviate pain and inflammation.
• Surgery is the last option in treating TMD. Artificial implants can replace the damaged jaw joints and this approach is usually irreversible.

How to strengthen the TMJ?

Performing a TMJ exercise five times a day for five minutes is a big help in strengthening and relaxing the jaw. This can be done after application of warm compress to warm up the muscles. Don't perform these exercises if pain is present.
Exercises can be done by:

• Raise the tongue to the roof of your mouth. Then open your mouth slowly and hold the position for five seconds. Close your mouth and perform this exercise ten times. Stop if you felt pain.
• Place the palm of your hand on the left side of your jaw and open your mouth. Slowly glide the lower jaw toward your hand. Push your hand against your jaw for five seconds while maintaining the pressure. Repeat same process on the opposite side five times each.
• Massage the temporal muscles for ten seconds by placing three fingers on the temples. Do the same massage to your jaw and repeat the cycle for two to three times.
• For the neck and shoulders, turn head to the Left side to rotate the neck. Place two right fingers on the left lower jaw while applying a little pressure to stretch the neck muscles. Hold it for five seconds. Do the same to the opposite side.