Are you a resident of Athens, Georgia experiencing severe jaw pain? If so, you could have a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD). This syndrome affects the joint of the TMJ, which connects your jaw to the temporal bone of your skull. People used to think that TMJD was caused by tooth grinding, but recent studies have suggested that this joint disorder could be related to excessive jaw clenching and other contributing factors. No matter what the ultimate cause is, it’s important to seek the proper diagnosis and treatment for your symptoms. Here, you’ll find an informative guide on the symptoms and risk factors of TMJD, as well as effective treatments and home remedies for Athens, Georgia residents.
Symptoms of TMJD
Symptoms of TMJD vary greatly from person to person, but the most common are jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth, and headaches. Other symptoms include earaches, tinnitus, locked jaws, neck pain, and pain in the shoulders or back. Some patients also experience swelling of the face or get poor posture.
Risk Factors of TMJD
The exact cause of TMJD isn’t always well understood, but there are numerous risk factors that can contribute to developing the condition. The most common are injury or trauma to the area, as well as an abnormal bite, clenching or grinding teeth, arthritis, or connective tissue disorders. Women are also more likely to develop TMJD, as are individuals between the ages of 20 to 40. Finally, you are at an increased risk if you are suffering from chronic stress, which can lead to unconscious jaw clenching and tightening
Seek Treatment for TMJD
It’s important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJD. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your condition by asking about your symptoms and examining your jaw. Sometimes, X-rays or MRIs may be used to help with the diagnosis. Once you have been diagnosed with TMJD, your doctor may prescribe medications, physical therapy, bite splints or even surgery. Additional treatments might include massage and chiropractic adjustments.
Home Remedies for TMJD
In addition to seeking professional help for your TMJD, there are several home remedies that can be employed in order to help ease your symptoms. Icing the area, using relaxation techniques to reduce stress, and performing gentle stretches may also help relieve discomfort. In some cases, heat therapy, such as using a hot water bottle, can help as well. It may also be helpful to take a short break from eating hard foods or chewy foods. Once you are ready to eat those foods again, be sure to chew with both sides of your teeth in order to decrease the pressure on your TMJ.
Conclusion
Having TMJD can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Know that there are effective treatments and home remedies available in order to help you get relief from your symptoms. If you are an Athens, Georgia resident, take advantage of the many medical services and resources available in our area. Most importantly, make sure to see your doctor if you are having severe—and possibly due to TMJD—jaw pain. By seeking treatment early, you can find relief faster so that you can resume your normal activities.