TMJ Disorder

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TMJ Disorder
TemporoMandibular Joint Disorder
Craniomandibular Disorder
Myofascial Pain Dysfunction

Causes of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder results when the chewing muscles in the temporomandibular joint do not work together correctly. The muscles will often go into a spasm or cramp. This spasm can then become part of a cycle that results in tissue damage, pain, and muscle tenderness.

Although accidents or diseases such as arthritis may result in other kinds of TMJ problems, factors relating to the teeth and bite are the most common causes of TMJ disorders.

Oral habits such as grinding the teeth or clinching the teeth can tire the muscles and cause them to spasm. This spasm causes pain, which in turn causes more spasms. The end result is the spasm, pain, spasm cycle which can lead to the TMJ disorder.

Occlusal disharmonies or problems in the way the teeth fit together or bite can place the chewing muscles under great stress and cause them to go into spasm, again setting off the harmful cycle. Frequently, oral habits and problems with the bite work together to cause the TMJ disorder.

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TMJ Disorder has many signs and symptoms

The most common include:
1. Dull aching pain around the ear, this pain often radiates into the face.
2. Tenderness of the jaw muscles.
3. Clicking or popping noise when opening or closing the mouth.
4. Limited or abnormal opening of the mouth.
5. Certain types of headaches or neck aches.

Many other problems of the TMJ disorder can have similar symptoms. Consult your doctor or dentist to determine the cause of your symptoms by a series of diagnostic tests. These may include a complete medical history, clinical examination, x-rays, and/or casts of your teeth. Proper diagnosis is an important step before treatment and it can save you time and money by insuring that you receive the treatment appropriate for your particular problem.

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Structure and function of the jaw

Structures that make it possible to open and close the jaw are specialized and work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These structures include the muscles, bones, and joints of the jaw.

Five pairs of muscles allow you to open and close your mouth. They also control forward, backward, and side-to-side movement of the lower jaw. The temporomandibular joint has two sections that make possible the hinge action and gliding action needed to open the mouth widely. Any problem that prevents this system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together correctly may result in the TMJ disorder.

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Treatment of TMJ

Treatment may involve a series of treatments. A step-by-step plan is in your best interest, because in many cases only minor corrective treatment may be needed. If pain and other symptoms persist, a more involved treatment such as changing the way your teeth fit together or even surgery may be indicated. The types of treatment include:

The Elimination of Spasms and Pain
This can be done by applying moist heat to the face. The Battle Creek® Petite Thermophore® Moist Heat Pack is a convenient method of applying intense moist heat to the painful area. Simply plug the unit into a 110-volt household socket, place the center of the Petite under the chin with each side of the Petite extending up and connecting with the fastening strips across the patient's head. By pushing down on the spring-loaded switch you will receive a 160° of moist heat in approximately 6 minutes. Turning the momentary switch off and on as more heat is needed can control the temperature. It is recommended that you use this kind of treatment for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day to relax the muscle tension, which is causing the spasm and pain through the jaw muscles. Work at total relaxation when applying the moist heat for the best results.

Medical professionals are also prescribing muscle relaxants and other medication, massaging the muscles, and eating only soft non-chewy foods to eliminate these muscle spasms and pain. A dentist may prescribe a bite plate or occlusal splints can also be made. This treatment helps to eliminate the harmful effects of clinching or grinding the teeth, which is the cause of the muscle spasms.

Counseling or Biofeedback Training
Counseling is sometimes indicated along with other forms of treatment. If emotional stress is a factor that causes the clinching or grinding of teeth, that stress should be reduced or eliminated if possible. Biofeedback, a technique that teaches people to modify their physical functions, can also be helpful in reducing muscle tension in the jaws.

Correcting the Way the Teeth Fit Together
If your bite is incorrect it can be adjusted by selective grinding of the teeth. Orthodontic appliances (braces) and other dental procedures may also be used to reduce problems caused by incorrect tooth contact.

Surgery
If muscle spasms have occurred for long periods, the temporomandibular joint may become injured or arthritic. The bones and the soft tissues of the TMJ may slip out of normal position because of trauma or some other cause. In severe cases such as these, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.Your dentist and other health professionals who provide treatment for TMJ disorder care about your health and comfort. Follow the recommendations they give you and discuss with them any concerns you may have. Remember in many cases the pain, headaches, and other symptoms of TMJ disorder can be successfully treated.

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To Purchase"click link" below:

Thermophore Standard Size 14" x 27" - Because of its large size, the Standard can be applied to larger areas of the body, including the entire spine, both shoulders, and the legs. Versatility makes this the most popular size.

Thermophore Medium Size 14" x 14" - Especially useful for children, or on special parts of the body, such as hands, feet, shoulders, elbows or knees. In many instances, it is chosen by people who are smaller in stature and cannot handle the large size.

Thermophore Petite Size 4" x 17" - Designed specifically for use on the neck, throat, sinuses and jaw areas (TMJ).

Thermophore Muff (Cylinder shape) - Designed especially for moist heat therapy to the hands, and may also he used on elbows and ankles. This unit has a special on/off