Patients with Temporo-Mandibular joints (TMJ) pain often become victims of excessive fragmentation of our complex healthcare system. An individual with persisting pain in the TMJ area may very soon find himself on a long, if un-amusing, journey through the complicated maze of the medical profession. From a dentist office too often however such a patient would emerge from his quest with his insurance coverage strained and his TMJ pain fully intact.
Most of the time a patient with TMJ problem initially will be seen by an orthodontist or a neuromuscular dentist, because in theory TMJ pain falls within the scope of their expertise. The truth however is that even though TMJs are anatory of TMJ problems.
Due toms as TMJ pain syndrome.
What Is TMD?
TMD is a set of related pathological changes, which produce musculoskeletal sympto organize a variety of dysfunctions and disorders that result in abnormal function of the muscles and joints of the jaws.
In order tor system, meaning that TMJ movement is controlled by the same neurological mechanisms that control any movement in the body.
Temporo-Mandibular system is densely innervated and its mo Temporo-Mandibular system is one of the most active and powerful structures of human body. It works during the day and while we are asleep. Due to breakdowns. Fortunately for the patient the Temporo-Mandibular system is very resilient and capable of self-repair when a proper treatment is administered.
Causes of Orofacial pain arising from within the Temporo-Mandibular system:
- Repetitive overload of masticatory muscles and TMJ
- Acute overload of the Temporo-Mandibular structures
- Parafunctional habits (lip biting, teeth clenching and grinding and etc)
- Direct trauma to TMJ
- Cervical spine dysfunction forward head position and poor scapular stability
- Malocclusion
- Cranial malposition and intracranial membrane movement dysfunction
- Structural deformity of the craniofacial bones (growth disorders)
- Arthritic disease of TM joints
- Dysfunctions and pathologies outside the Orofacial system contributing to the breakdown of Temporo-Mandibular complex:
- Emotional disturbances (depression, anxiety, etc.)
- Mouth breathing and faulty respiration
- Chronic nasal airway obstruction (Sinusitis, Adenoidal hypertrophy and others)
- Swallowing disorders
- Neurological disease affecting Nervous system (MS, Stroke and etc.)
- Eyestrain
- Central coordination disorder
- General hypermobility
- Other diseases and dysfunctions, which could mimic Orofacial pain
- Dental disease infection in the oral cavity, atypical odontalgia
- Neurological lesions atypical facial pain and Trigeminal neuralgia
- Oral lesions tumors in the oral cavity
- Vascular lesions temporal arthritis and facial migraine
- Ear disorders otalgia of various etiologies
- Eye disorders
- Major categories of TMD
- Myofascial disorders
- Temporo-Mandibular joint disorders
- Mandibular mobility disorders
- Degenerative/inflammatory disorders
- Growth disorders
Diagnostics of TMD
Diagnosed TMDs fall into three basic etiological categories:
The first category belongs tonicity of muscle of mastication and muscles of the cervical spine.
The second category is a mixed etiology. Hypertory muscles in conjunction with some degree of intra-articular TMJ dysfunction (hypo- or hypermobility in one or both joints, with or without periarticular adhesions).
Resulting from true intra-articular pathology with locking of the jaw.
It must be mentioned that mixed etiology includes various contributing factors listed above.
TMJ Treatment and TMJ Physical Therapy in NYC
TMDs of any etiology in general seldom require a surgical intervention. Histo be the most effective measures in treatment of TMJ pain disorders.
Conditions from Categories 1 and 2 (see above) fall intom made appliances.
TMDs caused by intra-articular pathology (category 3) require close cooperation between orthodontist or maxillofacial surgeon and neuromuscular specialist. The world’s scientific authority recommends treating these cases conservatively until maximum improvement is achieved before committing to make a sound judgment, based on good clinical skills and clear understanding of structural pathology of the TMJ, whether the conservative care is no longer effective and refer the patient for surgical consultation.
Pain Control and Behavioral Issues
Although, most of TMJ pain disorders are self-limiting, they could generate excruciating pain and cause significant distress to a psychosocial specialist or a pain clinic may be warranted.
TMJ doctors at Dynamic Neuromuscular Rehabilitation in New York City
At DNR’s office located in Manhattan, Midto find even in New York.
TMJ pain can become chronic and resistant to treatment if professionals who specialize in TMJ therapy do not timely address it.
PREVENTING TMJ PAIN
- Do not grind your teeth
- Do not bite a hard objects
- Do not clench your teeth
- Find out if you keep your tension in your face and learn how to let it go
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