A chronic headache was this man’s complaint when he stepped in the dentist’s office in New York. This man claimed that none of the internist, neurologist, a nose and throat specialist, and not even an orthopaedic surgeon has solved his problem.
A lower jaw problem called TMJ or temporomandibular joint dysfunction seemed to be the problem quickly identified by the dentist. The exact same problem also brought trouble on a Virginia woman’s neck and facial pains which were incorrectly diagnosed as arthritis, terrible earaches in another woman, and sinus pain in another. The great imposter also known as the TMJ condition can produce a vast variety of symptoms and imitate different diseases which now affect 20 percent of the population and are even overlooked most of the time. Victims of TMJ dysfunction are the persons who go from doctor to doctor with a multitude of seemingly unrelated symptoms. There may be functional problems in some such as the inability to open or close the mouth. In some, there may be only pain that builds up migraine, sinus problems, atypical facial imitating a tic douloureux or a temporal arteritis, or a neck and shoulder pain. In others, no pain may be present but dizziness, tinnitus or ear ringing, or subjective hearing loss can be felt.
In reality, they become neurotic because of the pain and pain does not cause neurosis. In front of the ear located is the temporomandibular joint where the lower jaw or mandible hinges to the skull. If jaw is opened too wide when biting or yawning, the joint can get out of adjustment.
Clenching or gnashing puts too much pressure in the teeth appears to be one of the most common causes. If the balance of muscles and ligaments that control joint movement is affected gravely, it will definitely upset the joint. Muscle spasms will be felt due to a painful state. This pain may cause radiation from small areas of great sensitivity called trigger areas within muscles.
In the mouth area as well as the head, neck, and shoulders are affected by the monotonous and stabbing pain that the trigger areas of TMJ muscle system brings. Jaw pains worsen in chewing, speaking, and brushing of the teeth for in these manner, jaws are clenched in teeth are grinded, but when mouth is just opened, pains are alleviated.
To make things quicker in pinpointing TMJ dysfunction, he says that the tests can be conducted by any dentist or physician. Upon listening with or without a stethoscope, a clicking or creptitus noise can be heard similar when the jaw moves. To find any involuntary contraction, some feel the TMJ and the muscle on each side.
In some cases, restoration of balance in use of jaw muscles is needed. In addition to their effort on chewing on the other side as well, they may be asked to do simple exercises. One of the exercises would be the tip of the tongue is placed far back on the roof of the mouth while mouth is opened wide. Now this second exercise is intended to strengthen muscles by moving the jaw in a number of times from the weak side.
Mostly eating soft foods and applying moist heat to both sides of the face for 10 minutes thrice a day would help a patient combat spasm. Many hospitals and dental schools have now shown their concern for TMJ dysfunction by setting up special clinics. A broader segment of doctors and dentists now recognizes the significance of the TMJ problem.
Further advice on dentistry is found at tmj disorder. Further information on dentistry can be found at clear braces.