Chiropractic Care for TMJ Pain in Chicago
What is TMJ Pain?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a sliding hinge between the jaw and the skull. Because these joints are flexible, the jaw can move smoothly up and down and side to side, allowing us to speak, chew, and yawn. The muscles attach to and surround the jaw joints, controlling their position and movement.
Temporomandibular disorders, commonly called TMJ disorders, are disorders that cause pain and dysfunction in the joints and muscles that control jaw movement. This problem seems to be more common in women than in men and is frequently the object of consultation with the maxillofacial surgeon.
These types of alterations are divided into three categories:
Myofascial pain, which causes pain in the muscles that control the jaw.
An internal asymmetry caused by a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or condyle injuries.
Degenerative and inflammatory disorders of the temporomandibular joints.
1.- What are the symptoms of TMJ Pain in Chicago?
- Pain in the face, jaw, or neck.
- Pain in, around, or in front of the ear.
- Pain on both sides of the head.
- Pain on one side of the head, which is activated by clenching the teeth.
- Pain in the muscles and / or joints of the jaw.
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw.
- Stiffness in the jaw muscles.
- Difficulty or discomfort to chew.
- A change in the way the teeth fit together.
- Muscle spasms around the jaw.
2.- What causes TMJ alterations?
- Injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint.
- A bad occlusion.
- Orthodontic treatment.
- Wear of the disc or cartilage of the joint.
- Stress or anxiety Tendency to clench or grind the teeth (bruxism).
- Rheumatoid arthritis or gout, diseases that cause inflammation of the jaw
3.- Treatments for TMJ Pain in Chicago
Conservative treatments:
Many times these alterations are transitory and do not get worse. These cases only require a simple treatment to alleviate the discomfort. The Teknon Maxillofacial Institute team starts with less invasive therapies like custom-made stabilization splints and physical therapy.
Surgical treatments:
If symptoms are not controlled with these therapies, the first therapeutic option is minimally invasive maxillofacial surgery.
– Arthrocentesis: using two intra-articular needles, a joint lavage is performed to remove all microscopic particles and a solution is injected to help lubricate the joint.
– Arthroscopy: through an approach in front of the ear, an intra-articular camera (arthroscope) can be introduced to allow the surgeon to examine the joint and thus remove the inflammatory tissue and manipulate the structures.
If the temporomandibular problem causes severe functional disability and there is no response to conservative measures, the damaged joint must be replaced with a prosthesis.
– Joint replacement: the diseased parts of the jaw are replaced by an artificial substitute: temporomandibular joint prosthesis.
– Open surgery: In the case of tumors in the joint or other specific pathologies, a complete open approach to the joint may be necessary so that the surgeon can have full access to it.
If you have questions or would like to meet with one of our doctors, please contact our chiropractors in Chicago to get the appropriate treatment for you. Call or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
