The joints that link skulls to the jawbones are called temporomandibular joints. When these joints are injured or if they get damaged, a medical condition called temporomandibular joint syndrome develops. This article will discuss treatment options and causes of TMJ syndrome as determined by research. However, before going into that, when one needs a dentist with specialty in TMJ treatment Atlanta offers the best option to check out.
Temporomandibular joint syndrome affects jaw muscles and nerves, causing a lot of pain when one chews, clicks, crackles, or popes the jaws. Other symptoms that patients experience include painful tempos, nerve inflammation, bruxism, headaches, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. In some cases, the temporomandibular joint becomes discolored. Another name for this medical condition is temporomandibular joint disorder, TMD. Pain may be triggered by certain factors such as cold and sleeping on the sides.
Symptoms differ in people. Some common symptoms are dislocation of jaws, blurred vision, shoulder pain, muscle spasms, and painful tongue. Pain felt in the tongue usually occurs at the base of the tongue. Symptoms may continue to change as one continues to heal or as the problem gets worse. Symptoms may also come and go without giving any warning.
The exact causes of TMD are not completely understood. There are many causes for muscle tightness and dysfunction, which characterize the condition. There is a lack of evidence to show if the factors are a result of TMD or if they actually cause the condition. Some common causes include misaligned jaws, teeth grinding, jaw trauma, stress, and poor posture.
Several risk factors have also been associated with this medical condition. For instance, maintaining poor posture for a long period can strain the neck and the jaws, causing the problem. Jaw clenching and muscle tension can be caused by excessive stress. This condition also occurs more commonly among women aged between 18 and 44. The risk of the condition is increased among patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis. People with misaligned teeth are also at a higher risk.
There is a wide range of treatment options available for treating this condition. Medications can be prescribed for relieving associated pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers are the most commonly prescribed medications. Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal non-inflammatory medications are the ones prescribed for patients. Tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed to relieve pain if necessary too. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to relax muscles.
The surgical option is usually available for consideration in a case where traditional methods have failed to produce good results. Open-joint surgery is opted for if the cause of the problem is structural. The purpose of the surgery is to replace or repair the damage in the joint, which solves the problem.
It is important to understand that there is more risk associated with open-joint surgery than other treatment options. There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with this method that one must discuss carefully with their doctor. The risks may also be higher in certain patients than in others. Thus, many considerations should be taken into account to avoid complications after surgery.
Temporomandibular joint syndrome affects jaw muscles and nerves, causing a lot of pain when one chews, clicks, crackles, or popes the jaws. Other symptoms that patients experience include painful tempos, nerve inflammation, bruxism, headaches, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. In some cases, the temporomandibular joint becomes discolored. Another name for this medical condition is temporomandibular joint disorder, TMD. Pain may be triggered by certain factors such as cold and sleeping on the sides.
Symptoms differ in people. Some common symptoms are dislocation of jaws, blurred vision, shoulder pain, muscle spasms, and painful tongue. Pain felt in the tongue usually occurs at the base of the tongue. Symptoms may continue to change as one continues to heal or as the problem gets worse. Symptoms may also come and go without giving any warning.
The exact causes of TMD are not completely understood. There are many causes for muscle tightness and dysfunction, which characterize the condition. There is a lack of evidence to show if the factors are a result of TMD or if they actually cause the condition. Some common causes include misaligned jaws, teeth grinding, jaw trauma, stress, and poor posture.
Several risk factors have also been associated with this medical condition. For instance, maintaining poor posture for a long period can strain the neck and the jaws, causing the problem. Jaw clenching and muscle tension can be caused by excessive stress. This condition also occurs more commonly among women aged between 18 and 44. The risk of the condition is increased among patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis. People with misaligned teeth are also at a higher risk.
There is a wide range of treatment options available for treating this condition. Medications can be prescribed for relieving associated pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers are the most commonly prescribed medications. Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal non-inflammatory medications are the ones prescribed for patients. Tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed to relieve pain if necessary too. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to relax muscles.
The surgical option is usually available for consideration in a case where traditional methods have failed to produce good results. Open-joint surgery is opted for if the cause of the problem is structural. The purpose of the surgery is to replace or repair the damage in the joint, which solves the problem.
It is important to understand that there is more risk associated with open-joint surgery than other treatment options. There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with this method that one must discuss carefully with their doctor. The risks may also be higher in certain patients than in others. Thus, many considerations should be taken into account to avoid complications after surgery.
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