Jaw pain is no small thing. It can interfere with eating, speaking, and lead to headaches, among other things. Two potential culprits are TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) and MPD (myofascial pain disorder). How can we at Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood and Murfreesboro TN distinguish between the two? And, equally important, how can we find relief?
TMJ or MPD?
There’s a growing awareness of the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This umbrella term covers conditions causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Believe it or not, TMD affects about 10 million Americans, and many don’t even realize the severity of their condition.
When considering the pain in your jaw, you may be grappling with either TMJ or MPD. TMJ disorders typically involve pain in the jaw joint and can stem from a variety of underlying issues – from misaligned bites to jaw injuries or arthritis. On the other hand, MPD, a musculoskeletal disorder, is a common but complex condition involving pain originating in the muscles and the soft tissues. These conditions often overlap in their symptoms and can be challenging to diagnose.
Brentwood and Murfreesboro, TN – A Hub for TMJ Relief
Living in the Brentwood and Murfreesboro, TN areas provides unique access to multidisciplinary healthcare services offering solutions for TMJD that range from traditional medicine to holistic approaches. Patients here can benefit from our team at Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions who understand the close link between dental health and overall wellness, taking a comprehensive approach to treatment.
Facilities in these regions understand that every patient is unique and will require an individualized treatment plan. Options might include physical therapy, relaxation techniques, medication, and in severe cases, surgery. The goal is to alleviate pain and return full functionality to the jaw, promoting a better quality of life.
Finding Relief
To distinguish between TMJ and MPD, seeking our professional diagnosis is imperative. We have vast experience in treating TMJ disorders and will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which may include physical examinations, imaging studies, and discussion of your medical history and symptoms.
Once you’ve been properly diagnosed, the next step is finding relief. This might involve a combination of treatments, such as:
- A change in eating habits to avoid hard or chewy foods
- Application of hot or cold packs to the jaw are
- Dental intervention, such as orthodontics or the use of a splint or bite guard
- Medications to alleviate pain or manage the condition
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
Additionally, stress management techniques can be highly effective, given the strong link between stress and TMD.
Remember, finding relief is a process. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to be patient and to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life.
The road to finding relief from TMJ or MPD can be a challenging one, but with the right professionals in your corner, you can take back control of your life. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, don’t wait – seeking help is the first step towards healing. In the Brentwood and Murfreesboro, TN areas, our team at Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions stands ready to assist you on your path to recovery.
Contact Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions:
615-621-4663
Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):
1177 Old Hickory Blvd, Suite 203
Brentwood, TN 370271605 Medical Center Pkwy, Suite 215
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
