What Can I Do About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Temporomandibular joint disorder — sometimes called TMJ syndrome, TMJ, or TMD — is a condition that affects the joints, muscles, and ligaments of the jaw in 5 to 12% of Americans. While symptoms are typically mild, some people experience more serious issues, like chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and frequent headaches. 

At Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, board-certified pain management physician Marcie Merson, MD, and our team have years of experience diagnosing and treating TMJ syndrome. Read more to discover why TMJ occurs, what to do about it, and when to visit a specialist.

What is temporomandibular joint dysfunction?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is an umbrella term for any condition that affects your temporomandibular joints or surrounding ligaments.

The temporomandibular joints are two hinge-like joints connecting your lower jaw to your skull. They let you open and close your mouth and bite and chew. However, this versatility can make them susceptible to problems.

Most doctors categorize TMJ disorder into three general types:

• Headaches that result from TMJ
• Disorders of the jaw joints
• Disorders of the chewing muscles

Common symptoms of TMJ include:

• Cheek pain
• Lower jaw pain
• Facial pain in the forehead 
• Fullness in the ears
• Ringing in the ears
• Jaw popping or clicking
• Severe headaches 

Wear-and-tear and jaw overuse generally cause most TMJ issues, but they can also be due to recent dental procedures, like extractions.

Regardless of the underlying cause, if you regularly experience any of these symptoms, you may have TMJ disorder.

Self-care strategies for managing TMJ symptoms

The good news is that even though TMJ is painful, home remedies can often relieve symptoms and prevent the need for specialized treatment. Here are a few self-care strategies we recommend:

Resting your jaw

Activities like chewing gum and eating tough foods, such as steak, can make TMJ symptoms worse. When flare-ups occur, it can help to avoid gum and stick to softer foods that are easier to chew.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication

OTC medication, like ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation triggered by TMJ. The relief isn’t permanent, but it can ease flare-ups and make it more comfortable for you to eat and speak. 

Stress management

Research shows that stress worsens TMJ symptoms. Tension from work or family matters can cause you to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, making jaw pain and headaches even more noticeable. Stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help the muscles and ligaments around your TMJ joints relax, minimizing flare-ups.

Hot and cold therapy

Sometimes, applying an ice pack or heating pad to your affected cheek is enough to provide TMJ relief. Ice helps relieve swelling and provides a numbing effect, while heat encourages blood flow, loosening tension and easing inflammation.

When to see a professional about TMJ

Most cases of TMJ disorder improve with home remedies and changes in activity. However,  seeking professional care is critical if symptoms last several weeks and include:

• Interfering with your ability to bite, chew, or speak 
• Pain worsening with loud popping and clicking
• Your jaw locks when your mouth is open or shut

We make personalized treatment recommendations after discussing your symptoms, completing an exam, and taking necessary diagnostic imaging. Dr. Merson is a specialist in pain disorders, including TMD, and provides accurate diagnoses and treatments that can help, including medications to manage the symptoms and osteopathic treatment to improve the underlying cause (or causes of the condition).

Depending on your needs, she may suggest wearing a dental splint, getting injections, or undergoing physical therapy. Surgery may be considered in severe cases, though it is rarely necessary.

Do not wait to seek treatment for TMJ disorder

If your jaw painfully pops or clicks when you eat, speak, or yawn, contact us for guidance. You can live pain-free once you receive treatment. You can request an appointment by calling our office today at 561-499-7020 or using the online booking tool.