The
most basic reason for Temporal Mandibular Joint
Dysfunction (TMJ) and pain to coexist is when the
operation of the jaw joint is restricted in its normal
utility and the restriction causes pressure on the
adjoining nerves. On several instances, the TMJ pain is
intense enough to directly affect the masticatory
muscles. When the masticatory muscles and joints are
affected, a person will typically experience a range of
myofascial pain as well as pain in the other surrounding
regions of the upper spinal
column.
Causes
of TMJ pain
- It
is widely acknowledged in current medical theories
that stress and anxiety are huge contributory factors
to the presence of TMJ and its associated
pain
- Mal
alignment of teeth and other dental disorders can
directly cause TMJ and symptoms of
pain
- Ear
disorder or an ear infection can indirectly lead to
TMJ and pain subsequently
- Jaw
joint disorder can arise from upper spinal dysfunction
and create pain
- Arthritis
is a common cause for TMJ pain
symptoms
- Whiplash
injuries are also known to contribute to some of the
TMJ pain symptoms
- Dietary
factors and eating disorders can aggravate or cause
TMJ pain
- Sleeping
postures and sleep habits are also known to cause TMJ
and pain
- Sleep
disorder or insomnia are contributory factors to the
intensification of TMJ pain
- Drug
interactions and side effects of medications /
chemicals can cause TMJ pain
- Life
style factors are serious underlying factors leading
to TMJ and pain symptoms
- Presence
of Bruxism or teeth grinding and teeth clenching are
also known to cause jaw joint dysfunction, leading to
TMJ and pain symptoms
Ways
to attain TMJ pain relief
The
most popular manner of dealing with TMJ appears to be
focused on managing its symptoms. This type of TMJ pain
relief is mostly sought through quick fixes such as
drugs. Although in severe cases some form of drugs may
have to be administered, this course of pain relief
should ideally be avoided as far as possible. And the
best way to avoid this would be to ensure that TMJ cases
are attended to promptly before the condition
aggravates.
Sometimes
very serious cases of Bruxism are recommended surgery as
treatment. This kind of Bruxism treatment should only be
considered as a last recourse solution.
Stress
reduction therapy (or self help relaxation methods) is a
well established treatment for TMJ
There
are specific types of exercises that are also
recommended as TMJ treatment.
Of
all TMJ treatments, the most substantial by far is a
holistic and multi disciplinary
treatment.
