What are the different approaches for TMJ joint pain management?

TMJ refers to temporomandibular joints. It is the joint which connects your jawbone to the skull. TMJ is used quite extensively when we talk, chew and swallow. TMJ disorders occur when there is an injury due to overuse or inflammation due to arthritis in your jaw muscles and joints. TMJ pain may get excruciating if prompt action to manage symptoms are not taken with efficient TMJ joint pain management. 

The diagnosis of TMJ joint pain is done by a dentist. He will first feel your jaw when you open and close to take a note of the range of motion and press areas on your jaw bone to find out the areas of pain and discomfort. If he perceives a problem, you will need to do a few confirmatory diagnostic imaging tests like Dental x-ray to get a complete picture of your teeth and jaw, CT scan to get detailed images of jaw bones and MRI to identify issues with joint disk or soft tissue in the surrounding area. TMJ joint pain management treatment will be offered by the dentist after a complete diagnosis. 

TMJ joint pain management treatment includes pain relievers and anti-inflammation drugs, tri-cyclic antidepressants and muscle relaxants to ease pain. Surgeries may be recommended in severe cases. In most, mild to moderate cases non-drug therapy like Physiotherapy and Counseling is recommended. Physical therapy involves treating the disorder with range of motion exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles. Heat therapy or ultrasound therapy may be recommended later. The next step is counseling or education to understand the behavioral factors which aggravate the pain for instance patients are instructed to avoid activities like teeth clenching, grinding and biting finger nails to avoid aggravation of condition. 

Thus, the only long term TMJ joint pain management solution is physical therapy. Talk to our expert chiropractors at www.physiopooja.com.sg for more information on different physical therapy approaches to treat TMJ disorders.