Many people assume that the term TMJ
refers to pain in jaw area.

However, many are surprised to learn that TMJ actually refers to
the joint where the pain originates and not the condition itself!

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jaw bone to your skull, which acts like a sliding hinge while chewing, talking and of course, yawning. The term used for pain originating from this joint is temporomandibular joint disorder. This painful disorder affects an estimated 10 million Americans every year!

Symptoms:

• pain/tenderness of the jaw.

• Headaches

• An ache or pain around or inside your ear.

• Chewing difficulty or discomfort.

• Aches and pains in the face.

• Joint lock, which makes it difficult to open or close the mouth.

• A clicking sound when moving your jaw, especially with pain.

• Other symptoms: pain and pressure behind the eyes, toothache, dizziness, ear pain, and ringing in the ears

TMJ normally manifests itself as difficulty opening the mouth completely, as well as pain that can radiate to the face, neck and shoulders.

What causes it?

The TMJ, lying between the jaw bone and the skull, is interconnected with a web of nerves and muscle, and thus can cause immense pain when irritated. Normally, the constant pressure and force exerted upon it from the act of chewing and clenching can cause the cartilage that cushions the joint to become displaced or worn; the bones then grind against one another instead of smoothly gliding past each other.

Stress is one of the top causes of TMJ Disorder, as stress normally causes teeth clenching and grinding.

Who is at risk?

People who grind their teeth excessively (bruxism) are more likely to have this condition. Stress can also cause this, as it causes teeth grinding, especially at night.

Bad posture, whiplash, cradling a phone on your shoulder and hard blows to the chin and face can exasperate this condition. Arthritis and excessive gum chewing can cause the condition as well. Bad dental work, or past orthodontic work, such as braces, can cause pressure on the jaw and the TMJ. Even people with hypoglycemia are more likely to have TMJ, as they are more likely to clench and grind their teeth when their blood sugar is low.

How can I get help?

If you have one or more of these symptoms, please give us a call before your TMJ disorder gets worse!

During your initial consultation, we will examine your lifestyle and symptoms to determine whether or not this is a case of TMJ disorder. The main diagnostic is the symptoms!

As far as treatment goes, our team will give you exercises to strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles, as well as coaching you on how to avoid putting pressure on the joint in the future. Soft tissue massage therapy, dry needling, laser therapy and physical rehab are all used in conjunction with your exercises to give you permanent relief!

For more information, please see this video.

Don’t delay until it’s too late! Give us a call at 337-565-4200 or visit our location in Carencro, LA to schedule your appointment and rescue your jaw!