If you suffer from TMJ pain, it is important to know about the causes, Trigger points, and Treatment options. This article will also give you an overview of surgery, and the potential complications. There are many ways to prevent TMJ pain, including good posture, using headsets, and not opening your jaw too widely. A visit to a dentist will also provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. If you think that you may have TMJ therapy Calgary, you should know that you should not delay seeking treatment.
Trigger points
If you’re suffering from TMJ pain or jaw bone problems, trigger points may be the root cause. Trigger points are pain areas that have predictable, similar patterns. Once identified, trigger point therapy can be a highly effective treatment option. But, it’s not covered by insurance. Trigger points are the ‘tricksters’ of the nervous system. Luckily, trigger point therapy is now available through various means, including physical therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathic remedies.
Various studies show that trigger points are associated with a range of facial and body pain problems, including TMJ. Trigger points are essentially areas of hypertense muscle tissue that can cause pain. These trigger points are usually located in the masseter muscle, which connects the lower jawbone to the cheekbone, and the muscles surrounding the jaw. Repetitive motion, poor posture, and stress can all cause trigger points to develop.
Surgery
Patients considering surgery for TMJ pain and jaw bone problems should be aware of the recovery time and possible risks. This procedure usually involves two incisions in the jaw: one on the skull, and one on the lower jaw. The procedure usually takes a couple of hours. Depending on the type of surgery, patients are allowed to go home the same day. After the procedure, patients are required to take pain medication or use over-the-counter medicines to relieve the discomfort. A soft diet and regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are also recommended.
During this procedure, patients are given a general anesthetic and may also be given IV sedation. The joint is flushed with lactated Ringers solution or sterile saline. This helps reduce inflammation and remove tissue breakdown products. The surgeon then manipulates the jaw to remove scar tissue. Arthroscopic surgery may be performed to remove the scar tissue. Some surgeons inject a steroid in the joint as well.
Treatment options
Surgical options are not the only option available for treating TMJ pain. These procedures require a Physiotherapy center in Calgary and require a few days’ stay. Patients with severe cases may require jaw reconstruction and orthodontics. In some cases, patients may also require rest or other nonsurgical procedures. If none of these options has been successful, you may consider total joint replacement. However, this procedure is not recommended for everyone. You should discuss this option with your healthcare provider.
Conservative treatments for TMJ include anti-inflammatories, prescription strength ibuprofen, and bite guards. However, if conservative measures are unsuccessful, your dentist may suggest surgical options. Traditional procedures such as arthroscopy and injections into the joint can also relieve TMJ symptoms. These treatments usually include pain-relieving medication, as well as treatment of bruxism and sleeplessness.
Complications
People who experience TMJ pain or jaw bone problems are more likely to suffer from headaches and neck pain. This is because TMJ problems can mimic other conditions, including sinus or ear disease, headaches, neck pain, or teeth pain. A medical professional can help determine the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe a treatment plan. Some conditions related to TMJ include osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage and bone.
The temporomandibular joint is where your jaw connects to your skull. It is the hinge between your jaw and your skull, and it functions to enable your lower jaw to open and close. Occasionally, you may experience a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth. This is an indicator of a TMJ problem. If left untreated, the pain can worsen over time.
