If you are suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD, then you should know that there are many ways to manage the condition. Some of the main treatments include TMJ exercises and avoiding actions that could cause the disorder. It is also important to research the diagnostic criteria for the condition to determine the best TMJ treatment.
1. Exercises for TMJ Pain Relief
When it comes to exercises to relieve TMJ pain causes, it’s no secret that the best results are achieved through gentle and repetitive movements. Aside from relieving the pain, these TMJ exercises also help strengthen the jaw joint, which is important for a person’s overall health.
There are a few easy ways to achieve TMJ relief. The simplest is by massaging the muscles in the jaw. You can also use warm or cold compresses.
Another great exercise for TMJ pain relief is to stretch out the mouth. This can be done by opening and closing your mouth several times. However, you’ll want to ensure that you’re doing this properly. It’s a good idea to use a mirror so you can see where you’re going.
You can also perform a tongue exercise for TMJ relief, which involves placing your tongue against the roof of your mouth. You then hold it there for five seconds.
2. Avoid actions that cause TMJ disorders.
If you suffer from TMJ disorder, there are certain things you can do to alleviate the pain and improve your quality of life. You should also avoid certain actions that may aggravate the condition.
The first and best TMJ treatment is to reduce stress. Stress can cause you to overuse your muscles and clench your jaw. This can lead to TMJ dysfunction.
Another way to relieve stress is to use relaxation techniques or TMJ dysfunction therapies. Try meditation or yoga. A few minutes of meditation can be a gentle way to get your mind off the stress you are experiencing.
Avoid chewing gum or hard foods. Chewing a lot can make your TMD symptoms worse. Use your mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding.
It’s also important to maintain good posture. This can help prevent painful injuries to your jaw.
3. Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMJ Disorders
Research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) are a classification system based on symptoms and impairments. This classification system provides an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders.
TMDs can be classified into multiple categories: arthralgia, degenerative joint disease, headache, local myalgia, lateral pterygoid spasm, migraine, myofascial pain, neuropathic pain, pain with jaw movement, and referred pain. These disorders can cause craniofacial pain and are a major cause of non-dental pain in the orofacial region.
Richard Ohrbach and colleagues developed the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorder. This work provided the first evidence-based diagnostic criteria for the temporomandibular disease. Researchers then studied the prevalence of assigned diagnoses and demographic characteristics to find a proper treatment for TMJ disorder.
The RDC/TMD Symptom Questionnaire was developed to assess TMJ pain causes and the history of jaw locking. Axis I of the diagnostic criteria focuses on the physical examination of body structure and function, whereas axis II includes screening for pain-related disability and psychosocial distress.
4. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Treatments correlate with daily variations in symptoms.
Some of the symptoms associated with TMD include jaw pain, clicking, and back pain. In addition, the articular disc, which is a cartilage between the mandible condyle and temporal bone, can become dislocated. This can be extremely painful.
Another possible cause of TMD is a fracture of the mandible. These fractures can occur at the condyle, the neck of the mandible, or the mandible symphysis.
Trauma to the head can also be a source of TMD. A blow to the face can cause the jaw to be pushed out of place. Emotional stress can also contribute to pain. It can manifest in the form of depression, anger, or anxiety.
5. Treatments for TMJ disorders caused by Degenerative Conditions
If you suffer from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) caused by degenerative joint disease, you may have several treatment options to choose from. Nonsurgical temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatments include anti-inflammatory medications and BOTOX injections.
Your healthcare provider can help you determine the right TMJ dysfunction therapies for your condition. Other treatment options involve physiotherapy, which will require a thorough history and exam. The examination should include palpation of your TMJ and assessment of your bite.
Some patients may require a more complicated surgical procedure. In general, surgery can address the TMD symptoms but does not address the joint disease. Surgical procedures include arthroscopy and implant replacement.
Osteoarthritis in the TMJ is commonly associated with muscle spasms. This condition can cause significant pain. Cramps can be caused by stress, bruxism, and postural dysfunction.
Conclusion
The TMJ is a complex joint structure located in the lower jaw that is connected to the skull. There are several muscles and joints that are involved in the movement of the joint. If these structures are not working properly, it can lead to severe problems.
AUTHOR BIO
Dominic Robinson has been writing for the healthcare industry for years to become a legacy guest author. His educational background in the medical sciences provides a solid foundation and credibility to approach many health-related issues. Still, he especially enjoys preparing scientifically-backed pieces on modern-day medical problems.