What Are The Common Causes Of TMJ Flare-ups?
What are TMJ flare-ups?
Flare-ups of your TMJ disorder are new or worsening signs of your TMJ disorder. They can have an effect on your quality of life, with symptoms that come and go.
Symptoms include:
- Jaw discomfort and pain
- The jaw clicking and locking
- Face swells and becomes warm.
- Having trouble opening your mouth or chewing
- Jaw mobility is reduced
- Muscle spasms
- Toothaches
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Ear pain
It doesn’t stop there, though. TMJ condition affects everyday behaviors such as speaking, eating, yawning, and sleeping, in addition to the pain.
What Causes TMJ To Flare Up?
A problem with your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, can destroy your life, or at least it feels that way. TMJ problems are uncomfortable and can cause nagging discomfort when you shift your jaw with almost every step. Your TMJ is hard at work whenever you eat, drink, speak, yawn, or do something else with your mouth. But what causes TMJ to flare up in the first place, and what can you do about it the next time you’re in excruciating pain?
The first move is to correctly diagnose a TMJ problem or flare-up. TMJ may be difficult to diagnose, particularly in the early stages, when the sudden onset of pain and discomfort may catch you off guard. Because TMJ symptoms include severe headaches and ear pain, which are common in many other conditions, TMJ can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages when the sudden onset of pain and discomfort can catch you off guard. Unfortunately, the only way to know whether you have TMJ is to see a doctor to have a TMJ diagnosis, so if you’re curious what causes TMJ to flare up, you’ll probably need a doctor’s help.
The good news is that with careful treatment, you can reduce the severity as well as the length of your TMJ flare-ups. With any luck, you’ll be able to stop them entirely.
Easing Symptoms of a TMJ Flare Up
TMJ pain usually does not last long and goes away on its own. Heat or cold may be used to reduce the length of a flare-up. Other than specialist care, there are other options to help avoid it.
Physical therapy to stretch and relax muscles, as well as a splint to help shift your jaw into a better position, may be recommended. A specialist will give you an injection to relieve spasms and discomfort if you need it right away. Botox has been shown to help with TMJ issues and headaches.
In the meantime, stop chewing gum and, if possible, switch to a softer diet. Maintain a relaxed expression on your face and avoid grinding your teeth. A night guard may be of assistance.
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.
