Finding Relief from TMJ

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects the lower jaw to the skull. This is a complex ball-and-socket joint with a cushioning disc and is designed to hinge and slide. This allows us to bite, chew, speak, and yawn. When anything goes wrong with the individual parts of the joint, or the muscles and tissues that surround and support the joint, pain and dysfunction can occur. TMJ treatment can help you get the relief you need.

There is no single treatment for TMJ, but a variety of treatments can be used to alleviate your pain and improve the function of your jaw. These can include:

1. Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication, pain medicine, anti-anxiety medications, and antidepressants can all be helpful in managing TMJ symptoms.

2. Cool or warm compresses
Compresses can help you manage pain and swelling.

3. Physical therapy
Gentle stretches and exercises can relieve pain and strengthen the tissues that support the jaw joint.

4. Rest
Resting the jaw by eating a soft diet and avoiding certain movements is often necessary for healing.

5. Injections or surgery
When conservative therapies fail to provide relief, injections or surgery might be recommended to address underlying problems.

For most patients, conservative therapies offer significant relief. If your jaw clicks or grinds, hurts, or you have radiating pain in your face, ear, neck, and shoulders, you might have TMJ. Call us today to learn more about your treatment options for TMJ or to schedule an appointment with our team.

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