Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome
Temporomandibular joint syndrome is also known as TMJ. Corresponds to a set of disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint, which is the one that connects the mandible to the skull.
This disorder presents with intense pain in the jaw area and with an alteration of the joint. Its onset has a significant impact on the quality of life. What is this dysfunction in detail? Is it possible to alleviate the symptoms it causes? Below we present some details.
What is the temporomandibular joint?
It is the joint that connects the mandible to the skull in the temporal region. This joint is located on either side of the skull, right in front of the ears. Its function is to allow the opening and closing of the mouth. This movement is allowed thanks to the chewing muscles.
Their use is constant throughout the day, whether we talk, eat, yawn or laugh these muscles start working. Given their intense use, it is not uncommon to see joint dysfunction in adults. They also occur in children, especially after the age of 10.
What is the temporomandibular joint syndrome?
As we have already mentioned, these are a set of disorders, and they are usually classified according to the origin of the problem, such as muscle or joint. In many cases, however, both the joint and the chewing muscles are involved.
It can be unilateral or bilateral. It occurs more commonly in women. Additionally, the most common age of onset is roughly 20 to 44, although it can occur at any age.
It is characterized by the presence of:
- Acute or chronic pain related to jaw movement , usually in the area near the ear.
- Snap of the joint when opening and closing the mouth.
- Restriction in opening the mouth, sometimes the jaw can also become blocked.
- Pain in the head and neck.
- Ringing and pain in the ear.
- Decreased hearing acuity.
What are the possible causes?
There are several possible causes. In fact, there are often various contributing causes. The most common are:
- Dental malocclusion.
- Habit of clenching the jaw.
- Habit of holding a pen or pencil between your teeth.
- Chew chewing gum frequently.
- Bruxism.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Increased sensitivity to pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Joint infection.
- Dislocation of the joint.
- Neoplasms.
- Degenerative diseases of the joints.
- Trauma in the joint region.
- Displacement of the articular disc.
Often to diagnose this disorder, the specialist will take a history of pain and perform a physical examination of the area, including the neck region.
Imaging tests are sometimes required, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. If your doctor deems it necessary, they will do blood tests to make a differential diagnosis.
How to improve the disorders caused by temporomandibular syndrome?
Often, due to the various contributing causes of this syndrome, the assistance of various medical specialists is required. Sometimes this is a temporary situation, which can even improve without specific treatment.
However, in other episodes, therapeutic measures will be needed that can improve pain and poor joint function. They can be defined as conservative measures, and include the following:
- Avoid biting any inedible elements (pencils, pens, nails, etc.).
- Keep the jaw slightly open, relaxed, and avoid tightening it continuously.
- Be very careful, or even avoid using some musical instruments that can strain your mouth, jaw or neck area.
- Adopt muscle relaxation techniques.
- Apply hot or cold compresses to the painful area.
- Improve sleep quality.
- Carry out muscle massages.
- Eat tender foods.
- Avoid sweeping jaw movements.
These recommendations will be very useful, always under the supervision of a specialist. Sometimes, the doctor will prescribe pain relievers and physical therapy.
There are also removable occlusive splints which can be useful in some cases. On the other hand, conservative measures are not sufficient in severe patients and surgery will be required.
Prognosis can vary depending on the cause
Fortunately, conservative measures have good results in most cases. Therefore the prognosis is positive. However, it should be clarified that if the temporomandibular syndrome is caused by a neoplasm or a degenerative joint disease, the prognosis and progression of the disease may vary.
Considering the above, the symptoms can improve or worsen depending on the evolution of the disease itself. For this reason, it is essential to make a good medical diagnosis and start treatment as appropriate.
