Ok, here is the low-down on what everyone tells you to do if you have TMJ Disorder pain… and why it doesn’t work…
Treatment for jaw pain depends on the underlying cause of the pain. Here are some common approaches to managing jaw pain:
Self-Care Measures RIDICULOUS!:
- Apply ice packs: Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
- Avoid hard or chewy foods: Stick to a soft diet to reduce strain on the jaw muscles.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help relax the jaw muscles and alleviate tension.
How does any of this work on a jaw that is misaligned? It doesn’t. It does not address the root cause of the problem to begin with.
Medications:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Muscle relaxants: Prescription muscle relaxants may be prescribed to relieve muscle tension in the jaw.
- Topical pain relievers: Ointments or gels containing lidocaine or benzocaine can be applied topically to the jaw area for temporary pain relief.
Yes, of course. When in doubt: MEDICATE! Again, none of this resolve or even address the root cause of the problem.
Dental Treatments: Mouth-guards or splints: Custom-fitted mouth-guards or splints can help alleviate jaw pain associated with teeth grinding (bruxism) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders by preventing teeth clenching and reducing pressure on the jaw joint.
- Dental restorations: Dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, or orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct bite problems or dental issues contributing to jaw pain.
Here is the problem: has any of this actually explained or went as far as resolving the problem? If we are just going to “willy nilly” place dental restorations everywhere, what is the point? We need to understand what we are doing, why we are doing it, and what is the outcome.
Physical Therapy: Jaw exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises prescribed by a physical therapist or dentist can help improve jaw mobility and reduce muscle tension.
- Massage therapy: Massage techniques applied to the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles can help relieve tension and improve blood circulation.
OMG! NOOOOOOO! Nothing like “working out” an already over-worked jaw. Stop with the “exercises” and start with fixing the problem.
Stress Management: Stress reduction techniques: Managing stress through relaxation techniques, counselling, or stress-reducing activities can help alleviate jaw pain associated with stress-induced teeth clenching or TMJ disorders.
Again, let’s blame the patient/‘victim’. Stress doesn’t cause jaw pain. Stress can exacerbate an already pre-existing condition. So why don’t we figure out what that is and solve that.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids directly into the jaw joint can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorders.
Try to find the root cause and treat that rather than random injections that don’t fix anything long term.
Surgery: In severe cases of TMJ disorders or structural abnormalities causing jaw pain, surgery may be recommended as a last resort to repair or replace the affected joint.
Yep, only if nobody actually diagnosed the underlying condition. Let’s try and figure out the problem, the cause, and the solution before we jump to surgery.
It’s essential to consult with a trained dentist to determine the underlying cause of jaw pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Early intervention and proper management can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.