31 Mar TMJ Pain Relief in 2025
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the most important joint in your body. It is responsible for performing several important functions daily. When your TMJ dysfunctions, it can lead to pain and require prompt action. Dr. Margaret Mitchell at Mitchell Dental Spa is a trusted and renowned TMJ specialist in Chicago, IL, and has treated hundreds of patients with TMJ-related discomfort.
What Is TMJ Pain?
Your jaw joints are intricate, and this complicated mechanism allows for different movements. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is a complex structure comprising your lower jaw and the skull, opening and closing your mouth. When this system disrupts, it gets in the way of your joint’s normal functioning. This inconvenience can lead to pain and problems performing everyday tasks like talking, chewing, and yawning.
Causes and Symptoms of TMJ Discomfort
If you believe you have TMJ pain, it is important to identify and control the triggers. Common causes of TMJ can include stress, dislocation of the jaw, chewing gum excessively, teeth grinding or bruxism, severe teeth clenching, misalignment of your teeth, using an orthodontic appliance, and being diagnosed with arthritis. Having a poor posture, fracture, an injury to the head or jaw, hormonal changes, certain medications, disc displacement, and autoimmune disorders are again some common causes of TMJ pain.
Generally, TMJ discomforts start with clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing your mouth. Other major TMJ symptoms include jaw soreness, difficulty chewing, headache, facial pain, and restricted movement. TMJ disorder can further lead to cervical pain, ear aches, dizziness, tooth sensitivities, and difficulty when sleeping. Your bite alignment can change with time, and you could start having muscle spasms around the jaw. This will require prompt consultation with a TMJ specialist in Chicago, like Dr. Margaret Mitchell, for a comprehensive evaluation.
Diagnosing TMJ Issues
Your doctor will assess your medical history thoroughly to understand what makes your condition worse or better. They perform a physical exam to identify tenderness, stiffness, strange sounds, and bite issues. They might also suggest X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or arthroscopy to evaluate your jaw’s structure and any abnormalities. All these tests will help your TMJ specialist in Chicago decide the right course of action.
Treatment for TMJ Pain
There’s no single or guaranteed cure for TMJ pain. You can manage it with a range of treatments. Here’s what you can do for a near-permanent resolution:
Manage Stress
Yes, stress can be a major contributor to TMJ pain. You must manage your stress levels to reduce joint inflammation and overload. Relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing exercises, meditation, etc., can help. If you also bite your nails when stressed, stop the habit immediately, or it will keep putting pressure on your TMJ.
Exercises for TMJ Pain
Some exercises can help stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles. These improve your jaw’s range of motion. You can try chin tucks, side-to-side movement, forward movement, etc., to reduce jaw stiffness. You should also speak to a TMJ specialist in Chicago, IL, to know what would work best for your needs and routine.
Self-Care Measures
Try ice packs or heat pads, switch to a soft diet, sleep on your back mostly, improve your posture, and don’t yawn too widely. You can also take OTC pain medications like ibuprofen or glucosamine supplements. You can also use a drugstore night guard or get one made specifically for your unique needs. In about 4-6 weeks or 6 months, you should be able to feel some improvement in your symptoms.
Botox for TMJ
Botox for TMJ is a revolutionary treatment option. These injections work to temporarily paralyze the overactive TMJ muscles, relieving pain and tension. The treatment can improve jaw function, reduce teeth clenching or grinding, and can last up to 3-6 months. Dr. Margaret Mitchell, a TMJ specialist in Chicago, IL, can provide more information on how Botox may be a game-changer for you.
Invasive Options
While almost 80% of the patients find relief with conservative solutions, others might require surgical intervention. Since surgery is the generally the last resort anyone wants to undertake, ultrasound therapy, TENS, and acupuncture are also options to consider. That said, if you’re still experiencing pain, you might have to undergo arthroscopic surgery, modified condylotomy, or open-joint surgery. Your chosen TMJ specialist in the Chicago area can suggest what’s more suitable.
How Long Does TMJ Pain Last?
Your TMJ pain will last until you take proper measures to control those overactive muscles and joints. The duration can range between a few days for mild cases and months or even years for severe cases. With some self-care and by avoiding the triggers, you should be able to reduce the pain within a few weeks. However, more severe and persistent pain might require expert assistance, especially when the pain does not respond well to physical therapies, medications, or lifestyle modifications. Chronic pain that lasts beyond 3 to 4 months requires a comprehensive treatment approach, and only a TMJ specialist in Chicago can help you with that.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Margaret Mitchell for Help
TMJ pain and discomfort can be frustrating and significantly reduce your quality of life. It gets in the way of your everyday activities. You aren’t able to think about anything else when you’re in pain, but you aren’t alone in this struggle. Several options are available for you.
To discuss your questions and concerns with an expert, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Margaret Mitchell at Mitchell Dental Spa and get the information you need and deserve. TMJ may be difficult to deal with, but it can be managed with the right guidance and therapies. Consult Dr. Mitchell today and find long-term relief.
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