tmjd - by wayne loomer, lmt

7/30/2019 TMJD - By Wayne Loomer, LMT

1/14


2/14

Temporal-Manidibular Joint

The temporo-mandibular joint(TMJ) is the hinge joint thatconnects the lower jaw(mandible) to the temporalbone of the skull, which isimmediately in front of the ear oneach side of your head. The jointsare flexible, allowing the jaw tomove smoothly up and down and

side to side and enabling you totalk, chew, and yawn. Musclesattached to and surrounding the jaw

joint control the position andmovement of the jaw.


3/14

Temporal-Mandibular Joint Disorders

Temporomandibular JointDisorders (or TMJD) occuras a result of problems withthe jaw, jaw joint andsurrounding facial musclesthat control chewing andmoving the jaw.

These disorders are oftenincorrectly called TMJD, theTMJ, which stands fortemporomandibular joint.


4/14

Causes of TMJD

The original cause of TMJDis hazy, but Dentists believethat symptoms arise fromproblems with the musclesof the jaw or with the partsof the joint itself.

Injury to the jaw, theTemporo-Mandibular Joint,or muscles of the head andneck such as from aheavy blow or whiplash can cause TMJD.


5/14

Causes of TMJD

Other possible causesinclude: Grinding or clenching the

teeth, which puts a lot ofpressure on the TMJ

Dislocation of the softcushion or disc betweenthe ball and socket

Presence of osteoarthritisor rheumatoid arthritis in

the TMJ Stress, which can cause a

person to tighten facialand jaw muscles or clenchthe teeth


6/14


7/14

People with TMJD

can experiencesevere pain and

discomfort that can be

temporary or last for

many years. More women than

men experience

TMJD, and TMJD is

seen most commonly

in people between the

ages of 20 and 40.


8/14

Common symptoms of TMJD include: Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck

and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you

chew, speak, or open your mouth wide Limited ability to open the mouth very wide

Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- orclosed-mouth position

Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw jointwhen opening or closing the mouth (which may ormay not be accompanied by pain) or chewing

A tired feeling in the face

Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite as if the upper and lower teeth are not fittingtogether properly

Swelling on the side of the face

May occur on one or both sides of the face


9/14


10/14

Other common

symptoms of TMDinclude

toothaches,

headaches, neck

aches, dizziness,earaches, hearing

problems, upper

shoulder pain, and

ringing in the ears(tinnitis).


11/14

TMJD Treatment

There are various approaches to treating

TMJ Disorders, including:

Mouth guards

Dental restorations

Jaw exercises and Massages

Medication


12/14

Medical Massage Therapy

TP


13/14


14/14

There are several TMJ treatment options or combinations for the TMJ Disorders and these include:

Jaw restFirst and foremost, the jaw has to rest and the person is advised not to chew gum or eat foods that are hard,

crunchy or chewy such as candies, nuts and raw vegetables. Moreover, eating foods that requireopening widely of the mouth such as a hamburger must be prevented.

Heat and cold applicationApply hot and cold compress alternately to the TMJ area. These would lessen the spasm and muscle

tension. Meanwhile, cold compress is most preferred immediately after an injury has occurred tothe TMJs.

Medications

This is the pharmacological phase of the TMJ treatment and it would be best to consult a doctor and beprescribed of the medicines. There are medicines that must be prescribed by a physician for pharmaciesto allow purchase. Among the medications for TMJ disorders are anti-inflammatory medicines such as

naproxen and aspirin, and muscle relaxants such as diazepam that aid in the reduction of musclespasms. Moreover, cortisone preparations such as triamcinolone are advised in certain instances.

Physical therapy

Opening and closing of the jaw, electrical stimulation and massage aid to relieve pain as well as increase thestrength and range of motion of the joint. There are certain exercises that would be advised for a personwith TMJ disorder to do for several t imes in a day.

Corrective therapy for bite abnormalities

Orthodontics or corrective dental therapy may be necessary to correct bite abnormalities. There will beadjustments done to the crowns or bridges so as to ascertain proper teeth alignment. This is necessaryfor people with misalignment of the teeth or dental problems that cause TMJ disorders.

Occlusal Therapy

This is for the management of bruxism in which is teeth grinding or clenching; and acts to balance the bite. Anacrylic appliance which is custom made is usually prescribed to use at night or may be throughout theday.

Stress management

For psychological management, stress support groups, medications and psychological counseling are doneand could aid in the reduction of muscle tension. Furthermore, biofeedback aid people to recognizemoments of increased muscle spasm and offers methods to aid in controlling them.

Surgery

This is the last TMJ treatment resort for TMJ disorder when medical therapy has failed. Among the surgicalinterventions is ligament tightening, TMJ arthroscopy and joint restructuring or replacement.

tmjd - by wayne loomer, lmt

Documents