TMJ Treatment - TMJ Treatment

TMJ treatments can effectively lessen the TMJ pain that you may be feeling, but before starting a TMJ treatment it is necessary for you to understand the disorder. TemporoMandibular Joint is a joint that is found in front of both of your ears. This is the joint that connects your skull to your jaw. Without this joint, you would not be able to do such things as chewing, biting, talking, swallowing your food or even making any facial expressions. When this joint becomes affected by a disease or a disorder, it is called TMJ or TMD.

TMJ can be brought on by many different things but keep in mind that not all causes are known to us. It has been known that such things as dental procedures, genetics, hormones, stretching of the jaw or grinding your teeth can play a huge factor in the cause of TMJ. It is important to recognize the things that may bring it on so that you can try to steer clear of these activities or at least to work around them and take precautions.

Unfortunately, TMJ cannot always be avoided so you need to know what your TMJ treatment options are, in the event that you do come down with TMJ. It is known that both women and men get TMJ but it has been known to show more in women that are in their childbearing years. Many doctors find it difficult to diagnose TMJ disorders and diseases because the symptoms can be the same as other conditions. Some people experience facial pain which can be caused from such things as an ear infection, a sinus infection, many different kinds of headaches as well as cavities or abscessed teeth.

There is no particular test that can diagnose TMJ so many doctors will do a series of tests to rule out other medical conditions. Once your doctor has determined that it is TMJ that you suffer from, together youâ€™ll begin to work on your TMJ treatment plan. If left untreated, your condition and symptoms can get much worse over a period of time. One of the most common types of treatment for TMJ is to relieve the discomfort. Your doctor may have you apply a moist heat or even ice, you may need to avoid extreme jaw movements and your doctor may change your diet to soft foods.

Many of the TMJ treatments that are used can be done right in your home. You can teach yourself TMJ exercises to help strengthen your jaw line and apply hot and cold compresses to alleviate the pain and stress. You can also use relaxation techniques to help relax the jaw line so that you are not clenching your teeth when you are stressed. If you are prone to grinding your teeth when you sleep, you can use a mouth guard at night to help stop the teeth grinding.

Your doctor may also look at the other symptoms you are having such as headaches and fatigue. By treating each particular symptom that you have, you can help to lessen your overall symptoms of TMJ. If you feel you suffer with TMJ, then talk with your doctor. Together you and your doctor can determine exactly what condition or disease you have and then set you up on the proper treatment plan. One of the worst things you can do for yourself to be to ignore the symptoms and do nothing. You and be sure to start TMJ treatment as soon as possible so that you can alleviate the painful symptoms associated with TMJ disorders.