Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome is a condition that affects the muscles in the jaw. In most cases, the condition triggers a great deal of pain and interferes with the normal function of the jaw. Fortunately, there are treatments for various types of TMJ Disorders. Here are some facts to keep in mind.
What Can Cause TMJ?
There are a number of issues that can contribute to the development of TMJ Disorders. For example, the presence of arthritis can play a role in causing this condition to develop. People who are under a lot of stress and tend to clench or grind their teeth are at greater risk of developing some form of TMJ. An injury to the face may also have an adverse effect on the jaw muscles and lead to this kind of condition. In some cases, there is more than one factor that leads to the development of the disorder. The only way to know exactly what led to the condition is to consult a physician.
How Can the Disorder Be Treated?
The specific combination of treatments will vary depending on what led to the development of the disorder. Depending on the severity of the discomfort, it may be possible to use over the counter pain relievers like a way of easing inflammation and providing at least some respite from the pain. If necessary, a doctor can prescribe something stronger.
There is also the matter of addressing the tension in the jaw muscles. Muscle relaxers can come in handy with easing the strain and provide the muscles with the chance to begin healing. In many cases, those relaxers will also help ease the pain that the patient is experiencing.
When the underlying cause of the disorder has to do with teeth grinding and tension related to anxiety and depression, the physician is likely to take steps to treat those issues as a way of providing relief for the patient. An anti-anxiety medication will help the patient retain more emotional balance and reduce the stress that lad to clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth. While an anti-depressant will take longer to begin having an effect, it will also ease the tension in the weeks to come.
For anyone experiencing ongoing pain in the jaw, call the team at Plainview Oral And Maxillofacial Associates P.C. today. A solution may be no more than an office visit away.
