TMJ Condition

TMJ syndrome often occurs in people who have had accidents or injuries involving their jaw, but many others have had no such incident. It is believed that grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw in response to stress may trigger the condition in many cases. Other possible causes include arthritis of the temporomandibular joint, facial bone defects, and misalignments of the jaw or of the bite.

The underlying cause of TMJ syndrome is not known. In most cases, the joint appears to be healthy, suggesting that it is the soft tissue around the joint rather than the joint itself that has the problem. However, some cases of TMJ syndrome may be caused by TMJ arthritis, TMJ dislocation, or other forms of true joint injury.

Treatment of TMJ includes stress management, avoidance of certain foods that trigger discomfort (such as gum or beef jerky), and anti-inflammatory medications. The older antidepressant drug amitriptyline, taken in low doses, 1 as well as the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine 2 may help as well.

Whatever the cause, TMJ pain can be constant and severe. Pain may not only be felt about the jaw and face, but may extend to the ears as well. Fortunately, the best way to relieve the pain is to cease the behavior that created it. Of course, this may not apply to TMJ pain associated with misalignment or injury to the jaw. However, even in those cases, there are still several self-care options.

Applying moist heat to the affected area is helpful for many people. Alternatively, holding an ice pack to the area may help to reduce inflammation. Consuming soft foods and avoiding stretching the mouth during flare-ups will permit the jaw to rest in its natural position. Relaxation techniques can also help to reduce TMJ pain associated with bruxism. A simple exercise along this line is to practice gently blowing air between slightly parted lips, being careful not to allow the upper and lower teeth to come together.

At times, taking over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be necessary to quickly reduce inflammation and pain. These non-prescription medications include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline, have also been used to successfully manage TMJ pain. However, these medications must be prescribed by a physician and may produce unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness.

In extreme cases, implant replacement of the joint(s) of the jaw may be warranted. However, be aware that experiencing pain alone is not usually a decisive factor for having this procedure done. In fact, it is usually reserved for those who have undergone extensive trauma or injury to the jaw.

It should also be noted that there is no regulatory authority or certification that governs the treatment of TMJ disorders. In short, this means that neither the American Dental Association (ADA) nor the American Medical Association (AMA) acknowledges the treatment of TMJ disorders as a specialty in either dentistry or medicine. Obviously, this can make locating a qualified practitioner difficult. However, the best course of action is to consult a dentist and discuss a referral to a practitioner experienced in musculoskeletal and myofascial disorders.