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How Can You Treat TMJ Disorders?

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3 years ago

May 27, 2022

Sebastian

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Treat TMJ Disorders

Your jaw is one of the most critical parts of your body. It helps you speak, eat, and yawn. But what happens when something goes wrong with your jaw? You might have TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ can cause pain in your jaw, neck, and shoulders. It can also make it difficult to speak and eat. If you think you might have TMJ, you should schedule a consultation with a Bellevue TMJ specialist. There are treatments available that can help relieve your symptoms. This article looks at some of the most effective treatments for TMJ.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

One of the most common treatments for TMJ is anti-inflammatory medications. These medications help to reduce inflammation in the jaw joint. This can help to relieve pain and other symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken orally or applied topically. However, oral medications can cause side effects such as stomach upset, so many people prefer to use topical medications.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is another standard treatment for TMJ. Physical therapy can help to improve the range of motion and reduce inflammation in the jaw joint. It can also help to relieve pain and other symptoms. Physical therapy may involve exercises at home and treatments administered by a therapist. This treatment is especially beneficial for people who have difficulty performing exercises independently.

Jaw Exercises

Exercising your jaw can also help treat TMJ. You can do several exercises to improve jaw function and relieve pain. You can do these exercises at home, and most of them only take a few minutes to complete. You can find a list of jaw exercises here.

Mouth Guard

If you clench or grind your teeth, you may benefit from using a mouthguard. A mouthguard can help to protect your teeth from wear and tear. It can also help to relieve pain and other symptoms of TMJ. There are a variety of mouthguards available, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs. Your doctor may recommend a mouth guard if you clench or grind your teeth.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat TMJ. Surgery can be used to repair damage to the jaw joint or remove the tissue causing inflammation. Surgery is a last resort, and it should only be considered if other treatments have failed. It often helps with cases of TMJ that are caused by a structural problem with the jaw.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants may also be used to treat TMJ. These medications help to relieve pain and other symptoms. They can be taken orally or applied topically. Oral antidepressants can cause side effects such as nausea and drowsiness, so many people prefer to use topical antidepressants.

Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants may also be used to treat TMJ. These medications help to relieve pain and tension in the muscles. They can be taken orally or applied topically. Oral muscle relaxants can cause side effects such as drowsiness, so many prefer to use topical muscle relaxants.

In summary, there are several treatments available for TMJ. The best treatment for you will depend on your symptoms and needs. If you are experiencing pain in your jaw, neck, or shoulders, you should schedule a consultation with a TMJ specialist.