Do you often experience pain and discomfort in your jaw? Are you having difficulty opening and closing your mouth? If so, you could be suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, commonly referred to as ‘lockjaw’. Fortunately, there are now many effective treatments for this common issue.
What is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two jaw joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. When these joints become misaligned or inflamed, it can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the jaw. This condition is known as TMJ disorder. In addition to pain and stiffness, TMJ disorder can also cause issues such as clicking, popping, and even a ‘locked’ jaw in which the jaw is unable to open and close fully.
Common Treatments for TMJ
Treatment for TMJ disorder can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can be an effective way to reduce pain and muscle tension in the jaw. Therapists may use techniques such as stretching and massaging the jaw muscles and may also prescribe exercises and stretches to help improve jaw mobility.
Oral splints: Oral splints are custom-made devices that are worn over the teeth to help keep the jaw in a correct alignment. They can be especially helpful in managing night-time clenching and grinding, which can contribute to TMJ symptoms.
Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications such as muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatories can help to reduce pain and swelling.
Surgery: In cases of severe TMJ disorder, surgery may be required to correct the problem.
Advances in TMJ Therapy
In addition to the above treatments, there are also new and innovative options for managing TMJ disorder. Some of these treatments include:
Botox injections: Botox injections can be an effective way to reduce muscle tension in the jaw and relieve pain. Botox works by blocking the action of certain chemical signals, preventing the muscles from contracting as strongly.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting the patient’s own blood into the jaw joint to promote healing. The blood is first processed to concentrate the platelets, which are rich in growth factors that can help to repair damaged tissues.
Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy involves taking stem cells from the patient’s own body and injecting them into the jaw joint to help promote healing. Stem cells have the ability to develop into many different cell types and can help to repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation.
Laser therapy: Low-level laser therapy can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in the jaw joint. The laser works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, which can help to speed up recovery.
Conclusion
While TMJ disorder can be a frustrating and painful condition, there are now many effective treatment options available. From oral splints and medications to Botox injections and stem cell therapy, there are now many innovative ways to manage the symptoms of TMJ. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, be sure to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine the best option for you.
