Diagnosing and Treating TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction is a common disorder that affects the jaw joint and muscles. It can cause pain and discomfort, as well as difficulty with chewing and speaking. Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include: jaw pain or tenderness, popping or clicking when opening the mouth widely, difficulty in opening the mouth widely, locking of the jaw, headaches and neck aches.

In order to diagnose TMJ dysfunction, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and examine your head, neck and shoulders. They may also take X-rays to check for any structural changes in the jaw joint or surrounding bones. Your doctor may also recommend an MRI scan if they suspect any underlying problems such as arthritis or other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

Once a diagnosis has been made, there are several treatment options available for TMJ dysfunction. The most common treatments are over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce inflammation and pain associated with TMJ disorder. Other treatments include physical therapy to help strengthen weak muscles around the jaw joint; relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation; splints to help keep teeth aligned; mouth guards that prevent teeth grinding at night; lifestyle changes such as avoiding hard foods like candy bars; and surgical procedures if necessary.

If you think you may have TMJ dysfunction it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional who can diagnose and treat your condition appropriately so that you can get back on track quickly with minimal discomfort.

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Tags:

TMJ, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, jaw pain, tenderness, popping/clicking, difficulty opening mouth, locking jaw, headaches/neck aches, X-rays/MRI scan, ibuprofen/acetaminophen, physical therapy, relaxation techniques/yoga/meditation, splints/mouth guards/lifestyle changes/surgical procedures,

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