TMJ disorders Health Article

Support Groups

For additional information, two excellent books are Taking Control of TMJ by Robert Uppgaard and The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most cases can be successfully treated, although initially it may be difficult to diagnose the problem and find an effective solution. Some cases of pain go away on their own without treatment. TMJ-related pain tends to be cyclical and may return again in the future. If the cause is nighttime clenching, treatment can be particularly tricky because it is a sleeping behavior that is hard to control.

Mouth splints are a common treatment approach for teeth grinding. While some splints may silence the grinding by providing a flat, even surface, their effectiveness at reducing pain or stopping clenching is more controversial. Splints may be effective in the short-term but could become less effective over time. Splints can also cause changes in your bite.

Complications

• Chronic headaches
• Chronic facial pain

Calling your health care provider

See your health care provider immediately if you are having trouble eating or opening your mouth. Keep in mind that a wide variety of possible conditions can cause TMJ symptoms, from arthritis to whiplash injuries. Experts who are specially trained in facial pain can help diagnose and treat TMJ.

TMJ problems do not fall clearly into one medical discipline. There are a wide variety of treatment approaches. If you are interested in a massage-based approach, look for a massage or physical therapist trained in trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy (NMT), clinical massage, or pain relief, particularly as it applies to TMJ pain.

Dentists who specialize in evaluating and treating TMJ disorders will typically perform x-ray exams and may use a kinesiograph or EMG   (electromyography). They may give the patient a mouth guard. Surgery is now considered a last resort by most TMJ experts.

Prevention

Many of the home-care steps to treat TMJ problems can prevent such problems in the first place:

• Maintain good posture, especially if you work all day at a computer. Pause frequently to change position, rest your hands and arms, and relieve stressed muscles.
• Learn relaxation techniques to reduce overall stress and muscle tension.
• Avoid eating hard foods and chewing gum.
• Drink plenty of water every day and get plenty of sleep.
• Use safety measures to reduce the risk of fractures and dislocations.

References

American Dental Association. TMD/TMJ (temporomandibular disorders). Available at: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/tmd_tmj.asp.

Lobbezoo F. Topical review: new insights into the pathology and diagnosis of disorders of the temporomandibular joint. J Orofac Pain. 2004; 18(3): 181-191.

Simons DC, Travell JG. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Vol. 1. Upper Half of the Body. 2nd Ed. Atlanta, GA: Emory University;1998.