TMD

TMD also known as tempromandibular disorders are irregularities within the tempromandibular joint including jaw muscles and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. This disorder affects many individuals and can be extremely debilitating. I will discuss some causes and treatments which may lessen discomfort.

Most often the main cause of TMD is the over use of this joint by either grinding, clenching or by trauma to the jaw, neck or head. Arthritis may also be a contributing factor. When the jaw is over worked it causes pain and tenderness in your jaw joints, muscles and ligaments. This can result in sensitivity when chewing, yawning and speaking.

The key to successful treatment is prevention. Often stress can cause involuntary grinding and or clenching which can deteriorate the TMJ. Night guards are beneficial as they force the TMJ to remain slightly open thus allowing the surrounding muscles to relax. A night guard also prevents a person from chipping and wearing down their teeth. Warm compresses before sleep on the jaw joint also aid in relaxing the muscles to prevent clenching and grinding. Physiotherapy and chiropractors can definitely help this condition. The newest treatment is botox in the jaw joint that freezes the muscles and disables them from clenching and grinding. Simple daily things like eating soft foods, avoiding gum chewing and self massage can help manage pain.

The most common cause of TMD is the jaw being over worked. If you can limit use by wearing a night guard, diet, physiotherapy exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles and possible chiropractor visits can also aid in successful treatment for pain.