Temporomandibular Joint Pain Treatment in Dundalk

TMJ Treatment

Pain felt on either side of the head in front of the ears results from a disorder in the temporomandibular joint. The diagnosis and treatment of TMJ in Dundalk is made by an experienced specialist who helps you relieve pain using various ways. The specialist has various treatment options to deal with the cause of pain at the TMJ, making you eat and speak without feeling pain.

What does TMJ disorder mean?

There are two temporomandibular joints on either side of your head where the jawbone meets the skull. This joint’s function is to facilitate eating, speaking, and opening the mouth when yawning. Any pain felt on either of the two joints is referred to as a temporomandibular joint disorder. It is also abbreviated as TMD.

Signs and symptoms of TMD

In most cases, the temporomandibular joint disorder presents with the following signs and symptoms: headache, difficulty in chewing, jaw locking, tenderness in the jaw, facial pain, earaches, and uneven bites. Other than the above, one may also experience a grating sensation or clicking sound when chewing or opening their mouth, which is also a TMD sign.

Causes of temporomandibular joint disorder

 The temporomandibular joint works by combining a sliding motion with a hinge action to chew and speak, hence being classified as one of the most complex joints in the body. The bones’ ends at this joint are covered by cartilage, and a small shock-absorbing disc also separates the two bones to help maintain a smooth movement.

The heavy use and complex nature of this joint predispose the temporomandibular joint to many types of damages. They include a worn down or misaligned disc, damaged cartilage resulting from arthritis, a blow on the head resulting from acute trauma, and overuse caused by the teeth grinding or jaws clenching.

However, in most cases, the main cause of the temporomandibular joint disorder is not clear. Most people who suffer from this joint disorder get relief with home treatment by performing some relaxing techniques or self-massage. Doing so helps in reducing muscle tension, thus alleviating pain that is a result of the disorder. If your temporomandibular joint pain persists despite the home care, consult your physician before the condition complicates.

Diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorder

Your dentist or physician may carry out a physical examination to help in the diagnosis. A review of your medical history, both past, and present, is also collected. The specialist may also request an MRI or an x-ray around the joint. After coming up with the diagnosis, the doctor recommends the best treatment for that particular condition.

Treatment options depend on your condition’s severity and may include the following: steroid, oral, and Botox injections, cognitive behavioral therapy, and corrective dental treatment. Some temporomandibular conditions may be very severe, therefore, requiring surgery.

In summary, in case you or your loved one is battling with any temporomandibular joint disorder, book an appointment at CHOICE pain and rehabilitation center today. The experts in this facility will help diagnose and treat your condition, causing pain relief. Thereby making you eat and speak with much comfort. You can also call their offices for more details about this disorder.