The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are located in front of your ears on both sides of your head and connect the lower jaw to your skull. Problems associated with TMJ include clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, inability to open your mouth completely, pain in the jaw area, frequent headaches, earaches and toothaches, and several other types of facial pain.
Sometimes we put stress on the joint without realizing it, for example, when we clench and grind our teeth, either during the day or at night while sleeping.
Teeth clenching puts undue pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other jaw structures, causing tightness, pressure and, ultimately, unceasing pain. Teeth clenchers are also
teeth grinders. Grinding wears down your teeth, creating a host of other oral health issues including
tooth decay.
High stress levels, poor diet, and lack of restful sleep contribute to what experts call ‘trigger points,” contracted muscles and pinched nerves in your head, neck and jaw that cause pain in other areas. Before you know it, you’re experiencing frequent headaches, earaches, or toothaches.
Your primary care provider, dentist, or ENT (ear, nose, & throat) doctor can evaluate you via an examination that might include:
· Evaluating the joint and connecting muscles for tenderness
· Observing and evaluating the jaw as it opens and shuts
· Sliding the teeth from side to side to evaluate wearing of the teeth
· Gently pressing areas around the head for sensitivity or pain
· X-rays to reveal abnormalities
· An
MRI of the jaw area (occasionally)
· A dental examination to evaluate bite misalignment
However, it is possible to receive results within the normal range. That’s when many people are told by specialists or begin to believe on their own that the pain of TMJ is ‘all in their head.”
That’s why it is important to consult with professionals who specialize in treating TMJ and who understand that your pain is real. Dentists who specialize in TMJ disorders typically take x-ray exams and use kinesiograph or
EMG (electromyography). These specialists may also recommend wearing a mouth guard. Surgery is a last resort.
You may also benefit from reading two top books on the subject,
Taking Control of TMJ by Robert Uppgaard and
The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies.
There are a few things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms:
· Try to maintain good posture. This is especially important if you work at a computer all day. Change position, get up and walk away from the computer at regular intervals, rest your hands and arms, and do everything you can to keep your muscles from becoming over stressed. Stressed muscle tighten up, and that’s exactly what you want to avoid.
· Reduce overall stress and muscle tension with relaxation techniques.
· Don’t chew on hard foods or chew gum.
· Drink lots of water and get plenty of restful sleep.
Avoid activities that could put you at increased risk for fractures and dislocations.
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