Can You Ignore Your TMJ?
For a variety of reasons, patients can be inclined to ignore oral health signs such as pain or clicking or popping sounds from the jaw. They may be apprehensive about receiving dental care or fear that it would be prohibitively expensive. Ignoring these problems, on the other hand, could be setting the stage for the problem to worsen, necessitating a more active – and costly – solution.
So, if you’re experiencing symptoms of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condition or another oral health issue affecting the structure and function of your jaw, you should seek care from an oral surgeon as soon as possible.
The hallmark symptom of a TMJ disorder is jaw or facial pain, although other associated symptoms may include clicking, popping or locking of the joint as well as ear or neck pain.
When one of the jaw’s many components fails, a TMJ disorder may develop. A malocclusion (misalignment of the jaw), a structural deformity in the jaw, or a strain in the muscles or tendons that regulate the jaw’s movement may all cause it. An oral surgeon is especially well qualified to pinpoint the specific issue and devise a treatment to remedy it because of his or her extensive knowledge of all of the components that make up the jaw.
While a surgeon would almost certainly be consulted in cases of potential TMJ disorders, the first treatment for this condition will not be invasive. If there is a strong indication that a surgical procedure is needed, more cautious steps may be tried first.
If you neglect issues like jaw pain, the condition of your jaw can deteriorate, increasing the severity of your symptoms and possibly causing other issues. It’s possible that your ability to talk and chew would be harmed.
What Do I Do If I Am Experiencing TMJ Warning Signs?
TMJ alert signs indicate that something is wrong with the body. Symptoms usually improve quickly if we catch the problem early and treat it.
A few things you can try:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve jaw pain temporarily.
- Change your Diet: Soft foods are more comfortable for the jaw. Gum and foods that require a lot of chewing should be avoided.
- Just Relax: When you’re stressed, do you clench your teeth? Stress-related habits such as teeth grinding and jaw clenching irritate the jaw and worsen TMJ symptoms. Allow yourself to unwind. Who knew that yoga and exercise could help with dental health?
Other treatment options are available if these first-stage improvements do not provide enough relief, including:
- Medications on prescription
- Jaw exercises that are specific to you
- Mouthguard that has been professionally fitted
- Orthodontic procedure or braces
- Medications that reduce inflammation
- To restore bite, tooth restoration can include crowns or bridges.
- Jaw surgery
TMJ symptoms may be treated to prevent further injury and provide relief from jaw pain.
The Danger of Ignoring TMJ Symptoms
When you’re busy, it’s all too tempting to push dental issues to the back of your mind. It’s important to handle TMJ symptoms as soon as possible if you’re having them.
- If TMJ symptoms are not treated, they can intensify and become more severe over time.
- Untreated TMJ can lead to a variety of long-term dental and health issues, including tooth loss, joint degeneration, and airway obstructions.
Many patients report relief from TMJ symptoms after just a few weeks of treatment.
Are You Looking for Relief From TMJ Dysfunction?
Pace Physical Therapy in San Jose, California specializes in non-surgical neck pain relief and recovery therapies for TMJ Dysfunction. Physical therapy is probably one of the most common interventions for TMJ disorder if you choose to stop taking pain-relieving drugs and use a more holistic method. A thorough examination will be performed on your neck, shoulder girdle, and thoracic spine at your initial consultation with Pace Physical Therapy to decide whether those structures are triggering your symptoms. One of our dedicated physical therapists from San Jose, CA, will then develop a care plan based on the extent of your symptoms and your particular needs. Our physical therapists are patient-centric and committed to your health, working hard to help you manage and eliminate symptoms. If you are in San Jose, CA suffering from the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, request an appointment at Pace Physical Therapy. Don’t suffer from jaw pain and stiffness any longer.
