What is a TMJ disorder? The problem has plagued a lot of adults around the globe. It’s something that one doesn’t know about until they actually experience it. Also, the disorder is caused by a number of reasons some of which may be unbeknownst to the patient. With that said, this article will talk about the problem and how one can treat at home or in a dental clinic.
What Is A TMJ Disorder? What Are Its Symptoms?
So, what is a TMJ disorder? A TMJ disorder is caused when your temporomandibular joint or TMJ is strained. This muscle is usually placed below your ears and right at the back of your jaw. It’s responsible for the movement of your lower jaw which means it keeps it hanging and working properly.
When the muscle or joint is strained then it starts to ache and becomes stiff. Here are some of its symptoms:
- Pain whenever pressure is applied to the jaw.
- Stiffness in the jaw area.
- Makes it difficult to open the mouth.
What Causes A TMJ Disorder?
Here are some of its known causes:
- Excessive chewing
- Stress
- Teeth Grinding
- Physical trauma around the area.
How Do You Treat a TMJ Disorder?
- Cold Treatment – take an ice pack and gently place it at the back of your jaw. Keep it there for 2 – 3 minutes before taking it off and letting rest for 2 minutes. Repeat the process a couple of times during the day.
- Specific Exercises – there are different types of physical exercises aimed towards your neck and jaw area. Try consulting your specialist on this for specific instructions and a step-by-step guide.
- Pain Relievers – to help with the pain, you can get your hands on over-the-counter medicine such as pain relievers. Those will help with the general discomfort felt in the area.
- Leaving It Alone – if it’s a mild case of the disorder, you can just leave it alone and it’ll pass within a day or two.
Conclusion
Make sure to consult your dentist on this matter. A lot of dental clinics treat the problem and chances are there’s one in your area that does so.