Who Can Provide Effective TMJ Therapy for Patients in Calgary?

Many people suffer from pain related to the temporomandibular joint that holds the skull and jaw together. It restricts the movement of the jaw and is a condition that is challenging to diagnose and treat. The challenges are because of the complexity of the jaw joint and muscles controlling the jaw. Doctors and patients alike need to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available for TMJ therapy before they embark on a journey for the treatment.

Temporomandibular Joint — What Is It?

The TMJ joint is located at the base of the skull and it allows for the movement required for talking and chewing. This joint connects the mandible which is also known as the lower jaw to the temporal bone that has its position on the side of the skull. This joint is one of the most complex in the body as it allows movement from all sides. It contributes vastly to the complexity of TMJ disorders and any TMJ therapy offered to treat it effectively.

Can TMJ Therapy Treat TMJ Disorders?

Diagnosing TMJ disorders is the biggest challenge for doctors or even dentists that may be offering TMJ therapy near you. The disorders are in a broad category and may include many possible reasons. Under the circumstances, the treatment options available are also different. Any doctor offering TMJ therapy near you may attempt to diagnose the condition based on the number of symptoms which may include persistent pain around the jaw and restricted movement of the jaw. TMJ disorders generally resolve themselves over some time except for some cases which may be ongoing.

The Causes of TMJ Disorders

Many possible reasons have been attributed to the possible causes of TMJ disorders. Some of the known causes include the following:

• Arthritis.
• Physical injury.
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth when sleeping.
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Dental surgery.
• Infections.

Women are more prone to TMJ disorders than men and researchers are currently looking at whether hormonal causes are a cause of this condition. Environmental and genetic reasons could also be causes of TMJ disorders. Violinists are often experiencing TMJ disorders more than others as their profession requires them to hold a musical instrument under the jaw causing strain and leading to TMJ disorders. While the precise reason for the disorder hasn’t been understood researchers are hoping that investigating the link between estrogen the female hormone and this condition may prove helpful.

The Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

There are many symptoms linked to TMJ such as pain when moving the jaw, headaches, migraines, sounds when opening and closing the mouth and restrictions in movement. Doctors or dentists offering TMJ therapy are often considering the symptoms before suggesting any treatment to the patient.

Treatment for TMJ Disorders

Many people have benefited from lifestyle changes and self-care that was advised to them by the TMJ dentist in NW, Calgary. The lifestyle changes helped them to manage mild to moderate symptoms. Some of the recommended self-care treatments by the dentist included reduced movement of the jaw, avoiding hard foods, chewing gum, and clenching of the jaw. Dentists may also recommend stretching exercises, massaging the muscles affected which may provide relief to the patient. A combination of rest and exercise may also be suggested with a healthcare professional providing advice on the type of exercises to follow and lifestyle changes to make for easing up TMJ disorders. The symptoms of this condition can also be reduced by applying moist heat or ice packs.

TMJ Therapy for Pre-Existing Conditions

Most specific options of TMJ therapy are available for disorders that may be caused by pre-existing conditions. TMJ therapy in NW Calgary, AB, is providing mouthguards to patients if the disorder is caused by bruxism. Steroid injections are suggested for patients where the disorder is caused by degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. The injection is administered into the joint itself to help reduce the swelling and the pain. Patients generally experience some relief within a week of administering the injections. In some cases, the steroids may resolve the problem of the disorder permanently but for others, it may only be a temporary fix. TMJ disorders are not concerning and will generally resolve by themselves in a couple of months. The symptoms are not a major inconvenience. If the condition is long-lasting and is concerning for the patient effective TMJ therapy can be provided by the TMJ dentist in NW Calgary to provide relief from the discomfort.