Painful TMJ Disorder Difficult to Treat

Millions of People Suffer from Some Degree of this Condition

Dec 21, 2008

TMJ Disorder is often misdiagnosed, and even more often mis-treated. Symptoms and causes of this disorder are as diverse as the people who develop it.

TMJ Disorder, a painful condition affecting the temporo mandibular joint located in the jaw, has become the bane of millions of Americans. Some estimate that there are as many as forty million people suffering from some degree of TMJ Disorder (TMJD); others estimate the number could actually be double that.

Causes of TMJ Disorder

The causes of TMJD vary widely, and often it seems there are as many causes as there are sufferers. Statistically, it seems that most cases of TMJD develop because of clenching and grinding of teeth, a habit most often done at night when one is unaware of what is occurring. Repeated clenching and grinding not only causes wear and breakage of teeth, but also greatly stresses the TMJ joint.

Other causes of TMJD may stem from injuries to the face or jaw. Often these injuries happen years before symptoms appear. Injuries sustained in childhood may eventually result in TMJD. Accidents causing whiplash and blows to the face such as boxers might receive can cause this condition to develop, as can prolonged hyper-extension of the jaw, which can occur during a prolonged dental procedure.

Some scientists are even looking at a genetic link since it seems that many people who clench and grind also have at least one parent who does so. Ironically, however, many clenchers and grinders don’t ever develop TMJD.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Symptoms of this condition also vary widely which can make it difficult and expensive to diagnose. Some sufferers experience acute pain; others develop annoying popping and crackling in their jaw. Jaw dislocation, ringing in the ears, neck and/or back pain, pain radiating down the arms, headaches and even eye strain can all be symptoms of TMJ Disorder.

Unfortunately, often the condition becomes so bad that one cannot chew food and must resort to soups or pureed foods. Even opening one’s mouth to insert a small forkful of food can be excruciating.

Treatments for TMJ Disorder

Despite the pain, this is one condition where, often, the less medical intervention, the better. There is no certification for treating TMJD, which means any dentist or doctor can proceed as he sees fit. Sufferers should avoid all irreversible procedures (such as surgery, orthodontia, grinding of teeth, expensive bridge work) until less invasive treatments have been tried. Even temporary measures, such as the use of mouth guards, can exacerbate the condition for some.

Fortunately, most cases of TMJD will self-resolve given time and a softer diet. There are some cases, however, where one may need to proceed with surgery or other irreversible procedures. Extreme caution is advised here as sometimes sufferers are left worse off after treatment than they were before.

Think simple to start with: ibuprophen as needed, alternating heat and ice packs, and softer foods for an extended period of time work wonders for many.

The copyright of the article Painful TMJ Disorder Difficult to Treat in Health Field is owned by R.L. Coffield. Permission to republish Painful TMJ Disorder Difficult to Treat in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.