We have long ago given up the tendencies of fighting for food and snatching large pieces of meat with our teeth, and chewing bones is also not looked upon as a good manner but still jaw related issues still create a lot of problems for us. In fact, ailments affecting the jaw bones can lead to welling and lots of painful situations and other discomforts as well. The TMJ syndrome as well leads to severe and oppressive jaw bone related pain in the neck, head and face. But the pain actually originates from the muscles, ligaments, nerve endings around the jaw joint rather than the temporomandibular joint itself.
Research shows that TMJ dysfunction mainly occurs due to the misaligned jaws, uneven bite or the displaced mandibular disc, and the treatment procedures follow the same pattern. The treatment options include Arthrocentesis, Arthroplasty & Discectomy. These procedures have been known to have worked successfully for many people in resolving pain and related discomforts. Arthrocentesis is a very risk less trouble free procedure, which involves the injecting of local anesthesia mixed with a viscous solution into the affected joint under general anesthesia. It helps in draining out the fluids that cause swelling. Excessive severe swelling needs to be treated with steroids. However, if you are suffering from TMJ and planning to opt for this procedure it is best to have a proper consultation with your doctor before going ahead with it.
Surgery Options Available In The Case Of TMJ
Arthoplasty involves forms of open surgery conducted on the affected jaw joint that includes the repositioning of the mandibular disc, replacement of the jaw joint and discectomy. Due to the risk factors involved this procedure is only opted for when other modes of treatment have known failed in the case. It can range from a simple operation to multiple surgical interventions. Arthoplasty has proved successful in treating most issues related to TMJ syndrome, however, we need to mention that patients have at times complained of recurring post operative pains in the operated area.
Discectomy consists of repositioning of the disc and it requires an over the night stay and around two hours of a surgical session. The surgeon needs to open up the joint and reposition the displaced disc. The disc also needs to be stitched so that it does not get displaced again. If the surrounding tendons and ligaments are found to be affected as well then they are also taken care of. The disc needs to be repositioned when the mandibular disc which is actually a cartilage working as a cushion between the two bones slips from its normal position. The risks involved in this surgical procedure are pretty high as injuries caused to the facial nerves remain a possibility and that can lead to some major consequences. Hence, this option is opted for only in rare cases where everything has failed.
Other Treatment options Of The TMJ Syndrome
As against the modes of general surgery described above the neuromuscular mode of treatment is considered to be more effective
The procedure can be divided in three different stages, the first involves relieving muscle spasms or pain, the second involves correcting the bite and the third is basically long term care. The first stage of the problem involves is relieving pain through a procedure called the TENS which is short for Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation. It involves exposing the patient to Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation at an Ultra Low Frequency level. Through electro messaging it helps relax the aching muscles and lessens the pain in a gentle way. The procedure basically makes the body release endorphin which is a natural polypeptide produced by the body to lessen pain and spasms.
For correcting the uneven bite a device called Orthotic is placed on the person’s teeth at night. It helps attain the correct bite by making the TMJ and other associated muscles to coordinate with each other in order to get the desired result. For long term care and management of this jaw joint related problem there are various options available that help in getting rid of the pain and other related issues.
Although so many people in the US and all around the world are suffering from TMJ disorder syndrome very few are able to receive proper medication, simply because they are unable to make anyone understand what they are going through. Hence, many of them end up in the psychiatrist’s chamber where they are tried to be cured through counseling. Unfortunately, like many other ailments the TMJ dysfunction takes a turn for the worst when left unattended for a long period. A low clicking sound in the ear can turn into loud buzzing, roaring sounds as in Tinnitus. Although it is possible to get rid of the pain through NSAIDs and other pain relievers, there are other treatment options available to that can halt this oppressive disorders progress.
TMJ Treatment That Really Works
Other than the treatment options already mentioned there other modes of treatment available too in the market, such as over the count options like the splints and the mouth guards, natural exercises and home remedies. Unfortunately all of these only provide a temporary relief as they only try to cure the symptoms and not the underlying actual cause responsible for the problem.
Only holistic remedies provide a permanent solution, as it reaches deep within the body and identifies the root cause of the problem. And once the root cause is identified it eliminates it permanently. And once the cause is gone the symptoms automatically go away and the person gets cure of the TMJ syndrome completely.
Author Resource:
Sandra Carter is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the best-selling e-book, "TMJ No More- Proven Holistic System of Curing TMJ, Bruxism and Whiplash". For further information visit: http://www.tmjatoz.com
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