What is TMJ?
The Temporomandibular Joint connects the downward jaw to the skull and is responsible for the opening and ultimate of the mouth. The way your teeth fit up can affect the quality of life of the TMJ (jaw joint). If the TMJ is dislocated, the present can lead to a good amount of unpleasant symptoms as listed below. Dr Tmj
Symptoms
Patients visit many health care providers in search of answers to their problems since the following symptoms of TM dysfunction (TMD) masquerade as many other conditions..The pain is often described as dull aching pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas.
Do You Have:
* Headaches, neck or back pain
* Earaches, congestion or ringing in the ears
* Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening and closing the mouth
* Tired jaw or pain when chewing
* Locking of the jaw when opening
* Limited jaw opening
* Dizziness and fainting
* Facial pain or pain behind the eyes
* Numbness in the hands
* Swelling on the side of the face
If you have any of these symptoms, you could have a problem with your jaw (TMJ). When left untreated, these symptoms may lead to increasing muscle pain, and trigger points (knotted muscles) that can send pain to different areas including your neck, eyes, ears, shoulders and lower back. Early treatment is essential as conditions that are left untreated can worsen over time. Dr Tmj
Causes of TMD
TMD frequently occurs when the lower jaw is not in the proper relationship to the upper jaw. This often results in dislocation of the protective disc (anteriorly displaced) as the lower jaw assumes a position further back in the socket and compresses the nerves and blood vessels. Some of the most common causes are:
* Clenching or grinding habits
* Lower jaw too far back causing anterior displacement of the disc
* Deep dental overbite
* Missing teeth
* Automobile accident causing whiplash injury
* Trauma to the head or neck
* Bad posture
* Intubation procedures in the hospital
* Extraction of wisdom teeth
Treatment
To help evaluate the health of the TMJ (jaw joint), a complete medical and dental history must be taken, including the recording of any trauma such as car accidents, whiplash injuries or general anesthetics. The Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA) is a simple, three-minute test to determine the degree of jaw joint dysfunction. Further diagnostic testing includes complete head, neck and posture evaluation with state-of-the art tomographic x-ray equipment to assist with the visualization of the jaw joints and other related structures. Measurement of the dysfunctional muscle activity and abnormal jaw movements will be achieved using the latest in computerized diagnostic modalites including EMG. Dr Tmj
Phase One Treatment Objectives
The objective of phase one treatment is to stabilize the lower jaw in its correct position to reduce the patient's symptoms, improve the jaw movements and reduce the muscle spasms which cause headaches. Sometimes a second phase of treatment will be necessary following the successful completion of Phase I jaw stabilization. Phase two options may include orthodontics, crown and bridge dental work, or fabrication of a permanent dental device. Stop suffering from TMJ anymore. Get your Dr Tmj ebook and live your life again!
About the Author:Why suffer from Painful TMJ? Get your Dr Tmj ebook now!
Try The Program now and get your
Life back!
