TMJ Disorders, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJ disorders) are medical disorders that involve the chewing muscles and joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull.
Temporomandibular joint disorders involve the jaw joint.
The jaw joint is sited just in front of the ear and it connects the jaw bone (mandible) to the skull near to the temple.
This particular jaw joint is known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Medical conditions affecting this joint are typically called TMJ disorders.
Causes
The two temporomandibular joints are similar and sited just in front of the ears on each side of the head.
The results of physical stress on the structures around the joint are TMJ-related symptoms.
These structures include:

1. Cartilage disk at the joint
2. Muscles of the jaw, face, and neck
3. Nearby blood vessels, ligaments and nerves
4. Teeth
   TMJ disorders are believed to have multiple causes which mean that there are typically a number of risk factors contributing to the cause.
   These factors can be categorized into two forms:
5. Problems linked to the muscles working the joint,
6. Problems inside the joint itself
   The muscle problems are the most frequent form, especially for younger people.
   Conditions related to the muscles are:
7. Over-activity of the jaw muscles
   Some rare kinds of movement disorders (called orofacial dystonias) can cause excessive jaw clenching.
8. Increased sensitivity to pain.
   A higher sensitivity to pain can be related to mental stress or other process which involves pain sensitivity.
9. Wear and tear to the inside of the joint
   Wear and tear to the cartilage is due to a form of arthritis called osteoarthritis.
10. Certain types of arthritis.
    Arthritis is the inflammation which occurs in a joint.
11. Injury to the TMJ or to its cartilage disc can cause TMJ pain.
12. Idiopathic TMJ cause: The cause in many people with temporomandibular joint disorders is unknown.
    Possible causes:
13. A bad bite or orthodontic braces
14. Stress and tooth grinding.
    The stress related to this disorder may be caused by the pain as opposed to being the cause of the problem.
15. Poor posture can also be an important factor in TMJ symptoms.
    Symptoms of TMJ disorders:
16. Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw
17. Dull, aching pain in the face
18. Headache
19. Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
20. Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
21. Locking of the jaw
22. Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
    Diagnosis:
    The diagnosis has been made based on the symptoms and a doctor's physical examination.
    A thorough examination will be required that involve:
23. A dental exam to show if you have poor bite alignment
24. Feeling the joint and muscles for tenderness
25. Pressing around the head to locate areas that are sensitive or painful
26. Sliding the teeth from side to side
27. Watching, feeling, and listening to the jaw open and shut
    An MRI scans which can be used to give a detailed picture of the joint.
    Arthroscopy of TMJ joint
    Treatment
28. Simple, gentle therapies are recommended first.
    Physiotherapy methods such as how to gently stretch, relax, or massage muscles around the jaw are taught.
29. Resting the joint
30. Pain killers such as ibuprofen or codeine or paracetamol can relieve pain.
    Muscle relaxant also help to loosen the jaw muscles
31. Moist heat or cold packs can be applied on the face.
32. Stress-reducing techniques can be learned.
33. Exercising several times each week may help you improve the ability to handle pain.
    Mouth splints or bite guards have been utilized to treat TMJ disorders.
    An injection of a steroid into the joint can reduce inf

Dettagli