TMJ Syndrome

The joint that I am speaking about is the one that lies on each side of the head. To be specific, it is in front of the ears, and is known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is because of this structure that we are able to move our jaw in order to chew, talk, laugh and yawn.

Characteristic Symptoms

TMJ syndrome, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder gives rise to a number of signs and symptoms, which are prominent enough to be detected. The first obvious sign that a person may be suffering from the condition is the occurrence of pain and tenderness in the jaw. There might be a pain in the facial area, and this might be accompanied by headache. In most cases, the affected person may not be able to open or close his mouth. This is known as locking of the TMJ. The condition also causes the upper row of teeth to make what is known as a premature contact with the lower row. So this results in an uncomfortable bite or an uneven contact.

Causes

• The bones which are involved in the working of the temporomandibular joint, are secured by small shock-absorbing disk, and are covered with cartilage. Now, if this disk erodes or is caused to misaligned, then problems may arise in the functioning of the joint, eventually resulting in the TMJ syndrome.
• Medical disorders such as arthritis has a reputation to damage the cartilage I have mentioned above. This may also result in the condition.
• An injury like a fall or a blow to the temporomandibular joint, can give rise to the condition.
• Apart from all these causes, there is also one which is related to the habit of constant chewing or grinding. An action such as this, when prolonged, can tire muscles which help in stabilizing the joint. And this may cause the TMJ to malfunction.

What is the Solution?

In general, the symptoms of this condition may run for a few days, before they disappear. Otherwise, the doctor may recommend the use of certain medications to relief the pain or devices such as a bite guard, to prevent uneven bite, and grinding of teeth. Surgery is also a treatment option, however, is required in rare circumstances. The medications may involve painkillers, drugs for relaxing the muscles, and corticosteroid shots to prevent inflammation. Apart from these, even certain antidepressants and a drug known as botulinum toxin, may be recommended.

Use of bite guard is usually a part of a therapy, which also involves the cognitive behavioral therapy to relieve the symptom of the TMJ disorder. Here, the patient is helped to manage his stress or other psychological factors which are also believed to aggravate the symptoms.

The symptoms of the TMJ syndrome can be managed at home with a few self-care measures. These may include eating soft foods, choosing small pieces of foods to eat, and abstaining from sticky food. It is also advised to keep yourself from opening the mouth too wide while yawning, and it is best if you can avoid chewing gum completely, in case you are prone to this condition. Applying warm compresses to the affected area also helps in providing instant relief from an attack, and so does inculcating stretching exercises for the jaw muscles.