Treatment
of TMJ
 Treatment
of TMJ Disorder
TemporoMandibular Joint Disorder
Craniomandibular Disorder
Myofascial Pain Dysfunction
Treatment TMJ Disorder, Causes:
TMJ
disorder results when the chewing muscles in the temporomandibular
joint do not work together correctly. The muscles will often
go into a spasm or cramp. This spasm can then become part of
a cycle that results in tissue damage, pain, and muscle tenderness.
Although
accidents or diseases such as arthritis may result in other
kinds of TMJ problems, factors relating to the teeth and bite
are the most common causes of TMJ disorders.
Oral
habits such as grinding the teeth or clinching the teeth can
tire the muscles and cause them to spasm. This spasm causes
pain, which in turn causes more spasms. The end result is the
spasm, pain, spasm cycle which can lead to the TMJ disorder.
Occlusal
disharmonies or problems in the way the teeth fit together or
bite can place the chewing muscles under great stress and cause
them to go into spasm, again setting off the harmful cycle.
Frequently, oral habits and problems with the bite work together
to cause the TMJ disorder.
TMJ
Disorder has many signs and symptoms
The
most common include:
1. Dull aching pain around the ear, this pain often radiates
into the face.
2. Tenderness of the jaw muscles.
3. Clicking or popping noise when opening or closing the mouth.
4. Limited or abnormal opening of the mouth.
5. Certain types of headaches or neck aches.
Many
other problems of the TMJ disorder can have similar symptoms.
Consult your doctor or dentist to determine the cause of your
symptoms by a series of diagnostic tests. These may include
a complete medical history, clinical examination, x-rays, and/or
casts of your teeth. Proper diagnosis is an important step before
treatment and it can save you time and money by insuring that
you receive the treatment appropriate for your particular problem.
Structure
and function of the jaw
Structures
that make it possible to open and close the jaw are specialized
and work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These structures
include the muscles, bones, and joints of the jaw.
Five
pairs of muscles allow you to open and close your mouth. They
also control forward, backward, and side-to-side movement of
the lower jaw. The temporomandibular joint has two sections
that make possible the hinge action and gliding action needed
to open the mouth widely. Any problem that prevents this system
of muscles, bones, and joints from working together correctly
may result in the TMJ disorder.
 Treatment
of TMJ
Treatment
may involve a series of treatments. A step-by-step plan is in
your best interest, because in many cases only minor corrective
treatment may be needed. If pain and other symptoms persist,
a more involved treatment such as changing the way your teeth
fit together or even surgery may be indicated. The types of
treatment include:
The
Elimination of Spasms and Pain
This can be done by applying moist heat to the face. The
Battle Creek® Petite Thermophore® Automatic Moist Heat
Pack is a convenient method of applying intense moist heat to
the painful area. Simply plug the unit into a 110-volt household
socket, place the center of the Petite under the chin with each
side of the Petite extending up and connecting with the fastening
strips across the patient's head. By pushing down on the spring-loaded
switch you will receive a 160° of moist heat in approximately
6 minutes. Turning the momentary switch off and on as more heat
is needed can control the temperature. It is recommended that
you use this kind of treatment for 20 to 30 minutes several
times a day to relax the muscle tension, which is causing the
spasm and pain through the jaw muscles. Work at total relaxation
when applying the moist heat for the best results.
Medical
professionals are also prescribing muscle relaxants and other
medication, massaging the muscles, and eating only soft non-chewy
foods to eliminate these muscle spasms and pain. A dentist may
prescribe a bite plate or occlusal splints can also be made.
This treatment helps to eliminate the harmful effects of clinching
or grinding the teeth, which is the cause of the muscle spasms.
Counseling
or Biofeedback Training
Counseling is sometimes indicated along with other forms of
treatment. If emotional stress is a factor that causes the clinching
or grinding of teeth, that stress should be reduced or eliminated
if possible. Biofeedback, a technique that teaches people to
modify their physical functions, can also be helpful in reducing
muscle tension in the jaws.
Correcting
the Way the Teeth Fit Together
If your bite is incorrect it can be adjusted by selective grinding
of the teeth. Orthodontic appliances (braces) and other dental
procedures may also be used to reduce problems caused by incorrect
tooth contact.
Surgery
If muscle spasms have occurred for long periods, the temporomandibular
joint may become injured or arthritic. The bones and the soft
tissues of the TMJ may slip out of normal position because of
trauma or some other cause. In severe cases such as these, surgery
may be necessary to correct the problem.
Your
dentist and other health professionals who provide treatment
for TMJ disorder care about your health and comfort. Follow
the recommendations they give you and discuss with them any
concerns you may have. Remember in many cases the pain, headaches,
and other symptoms of TMJ disorder can be successfully treated.
To
Purchase "click link" below:
Thermophore
Standard Size 14" x 27" - Because of its large
size, the Standard can be applied to larger areas of the body,
including the entire spine, both shoulders, and the legs. Versatility
makes this the most popular size.
Thermophore Medium Size
14" x 14" - Especially useful for children,
or on special parts of the body, such as hands, feet, shoulders,
elbows or knees. In many instances, it is chosen by people who
are smaller in stature and cannot handle the large size.
Thermophore Petite Size
4" x 17" - Designed specifically for use on
the neck, throat, sinuses and jaw areas (TMJ).
Thermophore Muff (Cylinder
shape) - Designed especially for moist heat therapy
to the hands, and may also he used on elbows and ankles. This
unit has a special on/off switch.
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