TMJ disorder is a painful condition that primarily affects the jaws, but can cause pain throughout the head area and even into the shoulders. The cause of TMJ can be mysterious, but the symptoms are treatable at Poss Sleep Apnea and TMJ Solutions in Brentwood TN.
The most common symptom of TMJ disorder is pain while chewing. It may feel like it’s right in the jaw joint, or it could be the muscles that control chewing action.
You may also have tenderness in the jaw, even when it isn’t moving. Patients have also reported clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, or difficulty moving it.
Other symptoms of TMJ disorder may include:
- Pain in the face, jaw, or neck
- Stiff jaw muscles
- A change in the bite
- Limited jaw movement
- Locking of the jaw
Causes and Treatment
The exact cause of TMJ disorder is not known. Knowing the cause is made more difficult by the range of symptoms people report. It is, however, more common in women than men, and researchers are investigating a possible link between the condition and hormones.
Since there are so many unknowns, most providers advocate conservative approaches to treatment: that is, nothing that is overly invasive and irreversible. Happily, most patients respond to treatments like over-the-counter pain relievers, stabilizing appliances that fit over the teeth, and even relaxation techniques.
If you or a loved one is coping with these symptoms, please call us at Poss Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood TN. The first step to successful treatment is a proper diagnosis. We can develop a customized treatment plan. Schedule an appointment with us today!
