It seems like just about everyone these days is suffering from a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or maybe their jaw aches after eating something really crunchy. Even celebrities can’t escape the pain!

But what is TMJ exactly? More importantly, how can it be treated? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a bony rim that connects the lower jawbone to the skull in humans. This joint is a ball and socket with four tiny hinge points that allow your jaw to move up and down, side to side, and rotate up to 180 degrees at the same time. TMJ disorders affect this joint and the muscles, ligaments, and nerves that surround it and cause pain. Winnipeg tmj treatment can help you avoid pain and suffering. 

For now, we will see the common causes of TMJ disorders.

1. Bruxism

Bruxism (more commonly known as grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw) is the most common cause of TMJ disorders. This can be due to stress, a habit, or a mental issue, which leads to bruising of teeth, causing damage to the jawbone. You can avoid this by taking small amounts of time every day to relax your jaw and muscles. 

1. Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint

The second most common cause is arthritis in the joint itself. Inflammation can develop in the small joints throughout the jawbone, and they can become swollen and painful. You can reduce the pain by taking anti-inflammatory meds such as ibuprofen, anti-depressants, or anxiety pills.

1. Stress

Stress can cause TMJ disorders as well. If you’ve been through a traumatic experience, have unresolved anger and anxiety, or are feeling overwhelmed, you are probably under too much stress. Stress damages the cells in the jawbone and muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint and causes inflammation. 

1. Acute trauma

Acute trauma can cause severe damage to the jawbone, muscles, and ligaments around the TMJ. An object falling directly on the face is an example of an acute trauma that can cause TMJ disorders. A more common occurrence is a car accident that throws someone hard against the dashboard or steering wheel.

1. An improper bite

Biting down hard on the teeth can cause damage to the jawbone and surrounding muscles and ligaments. This can mimic bruxism, so it is important to ensure that your bite is at a neutral position. Your jaw should be relaxed and open at all times, not clenched in place.

Are you an adult who’s thinking about getting braces? You’re not alone! Today, more and more adults are discovering the potential benefits of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment for adults can be customized to give you the results you’re after, whether it’s a subtle smile correction or a drastic change.

Orthodontic care for adults is gaining popularity for a number of reasons. Many adults are experiencing crowding or spacing problems that affect their ability to speak, chew properly, and brush their teeth properly. A Cumming, GA pediatric orthodontist can correct these problems and even develop new solutions. Orthodontic treatment for adults ensures that your smile is healthy and will last a lifetime.

Let us now look into the benefits of orthodontic braces for adults.

1. Reduction in general tooth decay

An adult who receives braces will see a reduction in tooth decay due to the palatability and accessibility of the teeth. Braces are very gentle on the teeth, causing less stress to the jaw bones, and therefore reducing stress on the teeth themselves.

1. Decreased likelihood of developing periodontal disease

The overall health of the patient will improve, and orthodontic treatment for adults can decrease the chances of developing gum disease. Adults with gum disease can benefit from orthodontics for a number of reasons. For example, facial features such as lips and jaws will be less affected by orthodontic treatments.

1. Decreased risk of tooth injury

An adult with braces will have greater protection for their teeth because orthodontic treatment will correct an improper bite. Orthodontic treatment for adults is perfect for patients who suffer from malocclusion or aberrant tooth movement.

1. Reduction in digestive disorders

Having crooked teeth can easily cause digestion problems when trying to eat. An adult with braces will have less time dealing with digestive disorders and more time enjoying life. You can eat more comfortably with braces and enjoy a better smile overall.

1. Improved ability to speak clearly

An adult with braces can enjoy an improvement in speech and clarity of the voice simply because their teeth will be properly aligned for easy articulation. When teeth are aligned properly, the airway will open wider, and you can breathe more efficiently.

You are likely to have experienced pain at some point in life. Dealing with pain can be hard; it’s more than the physical. Pain affects both your psychological and emotional wellbeing. It affects your peace and increases stress, anger, and frustration. Finding the cause of pain gives a high chance of finding the right treatment. Dr. Clement Yeh, an interventional pain management specialist, offers various advanced and holistic approaches to pain to help you find relief. Here are among the available pain management options.

Knee injections

Any pain can deteriorate, affecting your physical function and range of motion. Knee pain has no difference.

Knee injections promote lubrication in the knee joint, reducing pain and knee stiffness. It helps restore and improve mobility.

Knee injections at Republic Spine and Pain consist of Supartz, a solution that contains sodium hyaluronate, which provides cushions and joint lubrication.

You may benefit from knee injections to relieve pain and inflammation if you have osteoarthritis. Your provider may also recommend knee injections if other treatments, such as medications, heat therapies, and physical therapy, have not provided pain relief.

Nerve blocks

It involves techniques that reduce or inhibit pain. A nerve block involves your provider administering specific medicine to the nerve causing pain.

They use X-ray-guided imaging to place the medication on the exact nerves. There are various nerve blocks, including;

·         Peripheral nerve block

·         Facial blocks

·         Facet joint nerve block

·         Sacroiliac joint blocks

·         Sympathetic ganglion blocks

·         Greater and less occipital nerve blocks

·         Selective nerve root blocks

Nerve blocks hinder the nerve with pain information from communicating to the brain, enhancing pain relief. It provides long-lasting results to promote better living. Other than to treat pain, your provider may use nerve blocks as a diagnostic tool to locate your source of pain.

Ketamine infusion therapy

Ketamine is a type of anesthetic commonly used for diagnostic and surgical procedures. It’s an effective and preferred form of anesthesia as it provides fast results and does not interfere with circulatory functions like other types of anesthesia.

Ketamine is an FDA-cleared technique for anesthetic use only. However, it has promising results for managing chronic pain conditions and psychiatric disorders.

Ketamine infusion therapy involves administering the anesthetic for treatment purposes. It is safe and proven to treat the following;

·         Anxiety

·         Chronic pain

·         Post-traumatic stress disorder

·         Bipolar disorder

·         Drug-resistant depression

·         Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Spinal cord stimulator

It involves placing a small electrical nerve stimulator in your spine. The device delivers mild vibrations to stop pain signals. A spinal cord stimulator is an effective treatment for chronic pain if other treatments do not give reliable results.

You can benefit from a spinal cord stimulator if you have cervical and lumbar problems;

·         Failed back or neck surgery syndrome

·         Pain that lasts for six months or more

·         Constant burning pain resulting from nerve issues

Your provider works with you before recommending any pain management treatment to determine the cause. They evaluate your symptoms and perform diagnostic tests to find the exact cause of pain. Usually, they offer conservative treatments first before moving to surgical treatments. Suppose you have any pain; contact Republic Spine and Pain today to schedule your consultation.