What are the Treatments for TMJ Pain
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ), connects the jaw to the base of the skull. This joint that is found beneath the ears on both sides of the face is responsible for the opening and closing of the mouth and all jaw movements. People who experience pain, stiffness or other difficulties when talking, smiling, yawning, laughing and/or eating - all necessary daily functions, may be suffering from TMJ disorder, which is created when the jaw is out of alignment with the TMJ. TMJ disorder has critical ramifications for the quality of life of the sufferer. This is why TMJ treatments need to be started immediately after symptoms start to appear.
Treating TMJ is not a precise science; currently, there is no single, universally agreed upon remedy or cure for the disorder. The very best strategy would be to try a variety of treatment options until you discover what is most effectively for you. When the pain starts, your first impulse might be to use pain medicine for relief. Certainly, the proper pain medication, regardless of whether it is “over-the-counter” or doctor prescribed, can be very helpful in delivering immediate and temporary pain relief for more mild cases. Nevertheless, drugs provide only a short-term relief from the discomfort of TMJ pain without the benefit of treating the main reason for the problem. Consequently, pain medicines are not a practical long-term treatment remedy. Another short-term alternative for pain relief, if the TMJ pain is localized, is applying hot compresses or even ice packs directly to the area. Using ice or heat on the painful area will constrict or relax the muscles, resulting in a short-term reprieve of the pain. Even so, just like pain medication, these alternatives do not provide a long lasting remedy, and for that reason must not be considered actual treatments for TMJ.
The pain of TMJ can even be dealt with through a few simple changes in your daily habits, including steering clear of hard, sticky crunchy, and/or chewy foods; quit chewing gum; and being very careful not to open your mouth very wide whenever yawning or even laughing. Such prevention tactics might free you from pain for a time, but as time passes your TMJ may intensify, without proper treatment. Some people are finding limited success by means of a more holistic strategy, such as nutritional vitamin supplements and massage therapies. One particular preferred massage technique to reduce TMJ symptoms entails lightly probing the masseter muscles on both sides of the jaw with your fingers. You can apply gentle pressure to the jaw muscles within your mouth, and to any sensitive areas on your face, neck or shoulders. Mouth guards, also referred to as splints, are yet another alternative that may prove helpful for some TMJ sufferers.
The splints or mouth guards, which are used to relieve mouth and jaw pain for decades, function by maintaining the jaw in a relaxed state as a way to stop actions such as clenching and teeth grinding during sleep. Again, these methods are a good idea for immediate and temporary relief, however they just cannot compare to getting treatment from a highly qualified TMJ dentist to permanently correct the TMJ disorder at its root cause.
In the long run, there is just one confirmed treatment method for permanent relief from TMJ pain: Working with a professional TMJ dentist. Dr. Eddie Siman in Beverly Hills,, CA is one of the most highly regarded experts in TMJ relief and neuromuscular dentistry. If you desire permanent freedom from your TMJ disorder, call Dr. Siman today.