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Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Birmingham MI TMJ Clinic – Birmingham TMJ and Sleep
If you are in need of a top rated Birmingham MI TMJ Clinic, please contact Birmingham TMJ and Sleep today at (586) 979-1900 to schedule a consultation. Click here to learn more about our TMJ services or Follow Us on Facebook!
The temporomandibular (tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lur) joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. TMJ disorders — a type of temporomandibular disorder or TMD — can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.
The exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis or jaw injury. Some people who have jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth (bruxism), although many people habitually clench or grind their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders.
In most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders is temporary and can be relieved with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments. Surgery is typically a last resort after conservative measures have failed, but some people with TMJ disorders may benefit from surgical treatments.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
- Pain or tenderness of your jaw
- Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew. But if there’s no pain or limitation of movement associated with your jaw clicking, you probably don’t need treatment for a TMJ disorder.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, or if you can’t open or close your jaw completely. Your doctor, your dentist or a TMJ specialist can discuss possible causes and treatments for your problem.
Causes
The temporomandibular joint combines a hinge action with sliding motions. The parts of the bones that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which normally keeps the movement smooth.
Painful TMJ disorders can occur if:
- The disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment
- The joint’s cartilage is damaged by arthritis
- The joint is damaged by a blow or other impact
In many cases, however, the cause of TMJ disorders isn’t clear.
Risk factors
Factors that may increase the risk of developing TMJ disorders include:
- Various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Jaw injury
- Long-term (chronic) grinding or clenching of teeth
- Certain connective tissue diseases that cause problems that may affect the temporomandibular joint
For an experienced and trusted Birmingham MI TMJ Clinic, please call Birmingham TMJ and Sleep at (586) 979-1900 for more information.
source: mayoclinic.org
TMJ Treatment – Birmingham MI – Bloomfield Hills MI – Sterling Heights MI
TMJ Treatment – Birmingham MI – Bloomfield Hills MI – Sterling Heights MI and surrounding areas by Birmingham TMJ and Sleep.
Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ as it’s commonly known, is a complex sliding hinge joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. It is a joint that moves 3 dimensionally: up and down, forward and back, and side to side. Often “TMJ” is used to describe TMJ disorder, the malfunctioning of this joint and the associated structures.
TMJ is caused when there is a malalignment of the jaw, teeth, neck and supporting structures.
SYMPTOMS:
- Headaches
- Neck Aches
- Jaw Aches
- Jaw Clicking
- Jaw Popping
- TMJ Pain
- TMJ Noises
- Cervical Pain
- Ear Congestion
- Limited Opening
- Postural Problems
- Parathesia of Finger Tips
- Vertigo
- Tinnitis
- Dysphagia
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Non-Specific Facial Pain
TREATMENTS:
Over the last fifty years, the modalities for “treating” TM dysfunctions have changed. Today, to completely treat TM disorders, the clinician must be able to properly diagnose and provide services in functional orthodontics/orthopedics as well as provide phase II treatment or assistance to the referring doctor. It is important to note that most patients we treat have only received symptomatic treatment in the past, not corrective treatment. The patient must be made aware of this. Symptomatic treatment is not a cure. Further dysfunction and jaw pathology will continue.
Treatment is a two-phase system. Phase 1 consist of a diagnostic work up along with a properly constructed orthotic. This can be done with CT cone beam technology, EMG scans, and proper cephalometric evaluation, thereby helping reposition, support and cushion the damaged jaw, joints(s) and muscles. The above diagnostic criteria are also used in constructing a sleep appliance for patients with sleep/airway disorders and OSA. This provides another option for patients who are non-compliant cpap. These appliances should not be confused with a “bite guard”. Phase 2 (if applicable) consist of stabilization and retention through orthopedics/orthodontics, crown and bridge, or a combination of both, along with continued chiropractic or physical therapy. We strongly believe in the most conservative multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
Our practice offers the latest in CT imaging, jaw tracking, sonography and EMG scanning, which accurately allows us to establish the proper cranio-mandibular (condylar) position, thus eliminating any error in occlusal rehabilitation.
TMD treatment may vary for each patient. Again, we strongly believe in conservative, non- surgical approach to treat if possible. We have maintained a 95% success rate in our treatment.
TAKE THE TMJ ASSESSMENT
Take the TMJ initial screening assessment and a doctor will contact you for a free virtual evaluation. This assessment is essentially a screening and not intended as a diagnosis. Further evaluation will be necessary. CLICK HERE
For more information or to schedule an appointment Call Us Today: (586) 979-1900