Definition:
TMJ stands for your Temporomandibular Joints (jaw joints). Each person has a left and right TMJ and can experience a problem or dysfunction in only one side or both. A TMJ Dysfunction is typically referred to as a TMD, although TMJ is more commonly used by non-medical personnel in lieu of TMD to describe a problem.
There are different problems that can be categorized as a TMD. Sometimes a TM Joint can be dislocated or move improperly because of tightness in the surrounding muscles, and looseness of the TMJ disc. Although two people could have a TMD, they might have different things that are wrong with their TMJ. Dr. Klein spends significant time with each new patient to learn about their lifestyle, possible injuries, discuss imaging results, and comprise a treatment plan if a TMJ problem is diagnosed. His in-depth patient evaluations follow the teachings of his mentors, including former President John F. Kennedy’s own physician Janet Travell who was a pioneer in the study of trigger points.
Causes:
TMJ is a medical problem which (like most medical problems) has multiple causes such as:
Pre-existing bite problems
Muscle strain or jaw imbalances
Trauma to the jaw and even neck areas
Whiplash can even lead to a TMJ problem as the head tends to hyper-extend from the jaw during the sudden movements and could result in dislocation, or other injury. It can arise due to problems with your bite, muscle strain or imbalances, or damage to tissues in the head, neck and facial area. Displacement of the disk in your TMJ can be a permanent condition which may be controlled with proper care.
Symptoms:
Headaches don’t respond to medication
Clicking/popping noise with jaw movement
Jaw and/or facial pain
Blurred vision
Pain behind the eyes
Light sensitivity
Excessive tears
Ear pain
Hearing loss
Ear congestion
Ringing/buzzing in the ears
Sensitivity to sounds
Dizziness
Trouble swallowing
TMJ dysfunction is called “The Great Imposter” because its symptoms can mimic those of many other conditions. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing any combination of even a few of the symptoms listed above, please talk to your doctor about a possible TMJ problem or call us today.
Treatments:
While some surgeries are available for different TMJ dysfunctions, Dr. Schultz takes a conservative approach to treating the condition that even most surgeons prefer to be the first course of action. Some of the treatments offered include:
Wearing a corrective orthotic (mouthpiece) which can be adjusted as need for each patient
Physical therapy which can include tens unit usage, physical massaging of the area around the TMJ joints, and heat applications
Helpful guidance toward helping each patient understand their condition, and how to avoid harmful daily habits that might worsen their condition
Pain-relieving injections …and other non-invasive options
Such treatment can be covered by insurance, so please contact our office if you would like to know if your insurance plan provides coverage