What are the Signs of TMJ Symptoms
TMJ symptoms hit 5 to 12 out of 100 people, mostly women aged 20 to 40. It’s when your jaw joint or the muscles around it aren’t working right. This can make your jaw hurt, make it tough to chew, and make your face feel sore. You might also feel pain in your shoulders or neck, get headaches, or hear ringing in your ears. It can happen if you hurt your jaw, grind your teeth, have arthritis, or if your teeth don’t fit together properly.
There are different ways to make it better, like taking medicine, doing exercises, or sometimes even surgery. It depends on what you need.
It’s really important to see a doctor to get the right treatment for TMJ problems.
Finding Early TMJ Treatment and Care
It’s important to get help for TMJ symptoms because if you don’t, things could get worse.
The symptoms can be jaw and face pain, a stiff jaw, and trouble opening or moving your mouth. If you don’t deal with these symptoms, they could get worse and really affect your life.
Seek medical attention for TMJ disorders if you experience persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, or if you have difficulty opening or closing your jaw completely.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR TREATMENT?
Simple home care might be enough for mild cases, but serious ones might need a doctor’s look to stop long-term pain and jaw problems.
The first steps in treatment should be simple, to avoid any lasting damage to your jaw or teeth. It’s best to talk to doctors who know a lot about muscle and bone disorders. For complicated situations, you might need a team of experts.
Getting professional advice and starting with easy treatments is the best way to handle TMJ symptoms and avoid bigger issues.
TMJ Centre Melbourne is conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne, Victoria.
Dentists and TMJ Treatment
Dentists are often the first professionals sought for TMJ diagnosis and care. They can provide a range of treatments, including
Mouth Guards and Bite Therapy
Custom-fitted oral appliances can help alleviate pressure on the jaw joints and reduce symptoms by preventing damage from teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching, which are common among TMJ disorder sufferers.
TMJ Exercises
Specific exercises may be recommended to strengthen jaw muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance joint movement.
Botox® Injections
In certain cases, Botox® injections can be used to relax the muscles around the jaw, offering relief from pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders.
Chiropractors and TMJ Treatment
While the TMJ Association points out that no formal standards of care for TMJ exist in clinical dentistry or medicine, chiropractors are among the allied health professionals who can contribute to managing TMJ disorders. They focus on the musculoskeletal system, offering treatments that may include
Manual Adjustment
Chiropractors may use specific techniques to adjust the jaw and alleviate pressure on the TMJ, potentially improving alignment and reducing pain.
Muscle Relaxation and Strengthening
Techniques such as massage and specific exercises can be employed to relax the muscles around the jaw and improve their function.
At TMJ Centre Melbourne, both a dentist and a chiropractor work together to provide comprehensive solutions. Our aim is to create personalised treatment plans that provide fast and cost-effective relief.
Reference
TMJ Disorders