TMJ Pain & Myofascial Treatment in Ashland VA
Our goal is to relieve the pain and discomfort.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) attach the lower jaw to the skull just in front of the ears on both sides of the head. This joint, known as the TMJ, is called a gliding joint because it allows movement of the jaw in several directions with a smooth fibrous disc that cushions the joint and reduces friction. Anything that causes damage to the joint or the area around the joint can result in temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Causes of TMJ Pain
Trauma:
Any injury to the jaw, ear, head or neck in the area of the joint can cause problems with the joint.
Stress:
The habit of grinding your teeth, especially during sleep, is called bruxism. The constant gnashing of the jaws against each other causes wear and tear on the joints. Clenching the teeth during periods of high stress is also damaging.
Arthritis:
Any form of arthritis, from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid, can also interfere with the TMJ.
Misalignment:
A badly fitting bite makes eating difficult and causes disturbances within the TM joints.
Where is TMJ Pain felt?
If there is damage to your TMJ, you may feel pain around your eyes, ears, mouth, and other parts of your head.
Can TMJ cause tooth pain?
Since grinding or clenching can cause TMJ pain, tooth pain may also appear as a result. Common tooth pain treatments may not resolve TMJ pain by themselves.
Treatment Options
Initial treatments are conservative, focusing on relaxing the joints and the muscles that control them.
- Change your diet to softer food
- Never chew gum
- Use ice packs or hot packs on the area
- Take anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen, for short periods
- Try relaxation techniques to ease stress and your muscles
Your dentist may prescribe exercises to improve muscle strength and may also recommend physical therapy. You might need a device called a night guard that helps prevent teeth grinding. Finally, your dentist may suggest dental surgery to reshape teeth in order to improve your bite, orthodontic treatment, or Botox® treatment options offered by our on staff oral surgeon.
However, seeing a dentist for treatment for myofascial pain is the best first step towards relieving your pain. Schedule an appointment to get started!
