What Is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome?
TMJ is a pain caused in the jaw joint due to many medical problems. It connects the jawbone to the skull in front of the ear.
What Causes TMJ syndrome?
- Teeth grinding or clenching of teeth
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
What Are TMJ syndrome Symptoms and Signs?
- Pain in the facial muscles and jaw joints
- Causes pain in the ear
- Joint movements produce sounds
- Swelling on the face and mouth
- Jaw locks in a wide-open position
- Headache and dizziness
What Are Risk Factors for TMJ syndrome?
- Women are at high risk of developing TMJ syndrome as compared to men.
- An individual between the ages of 18-44 is at risk of TMJ syndrome.
- A person with less tolerance pain.
- Genes related to stress, psychological health and inflammation.
How Long Do TMJ Symptoms and Signs Last?
- Acute symptoms last between a few days and weeks.
- Chronic TMJ condition goes for month/years.
When Should Someone Seek Medical Care for TMJ?
If the pain is severe and does not go away, visit a doctor. You may also difficulty in swallowing food. Therefore, TMJ must be treated as soon as possible.
How Do Health Care Professionals Diagnose TMJ syndrome?
Healthcare professionals diagnose the jaw problem through your medical history. They do the physical examination to determine pain in head, neck, face and temporomandibular joints.
Are There TMJ Home Remedies?
- Take pain-relieving medications
- Avoid eating hard foods and chewing gum
- Eat soft foods
- Do not take the stress
What Are TMJ Treatment Options?
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
Follow-up for TMJ
It is recommended to follow doctor’s instructions for taking any medications and for home care or jaw exercises.
Is There a Way to Prevent TMJ syndrome?
- Avoid big bites while eating
- Massage your jaws, cheeks and temple muscles
- Take good sleep in proper posture
What Is the Prognosis of TMJ syndrome?
The success of the treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and how well one react to the treatment.
