Important Facts to Know About TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)
Your temporomandibular joint can be said to be the most used joint in the body. This is the joint that connects the upper and lower jaw. This jaw is used when talking, eating, breathing, and when expressing your feelings and emotions. Any dysfunction to these joint results in a group of conditions, namely Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).
Who Are Likely to be Affected? Studies show that nearly 10 million Americans are affected by this condition. And the majority of them are women, especially those between the age of 18 and 44. The reason why women are more commonly affected is not yet known.
What CausesTMD? There are various causes for, and factors that contribute to, the development of temporomandibular disorder. Initially, teeth misalignment and improper jaw positionwere considered the main causes of TMD. However, as The New England Journal of Medicine points out, “the temporomandibular joint may be affected by inflammation, traumatic, infectious, congenital [present from birth], developmental, and neoplastic [tumor growth] diseases, as seen in other joints.� The major contributing factors include the following: Mandibular misalignment Poor cervical posture Myofascial pain Keeping the mouth open for a prolonged time, especially during dental treatment procedures Removal of wisdom teeth Stress Neuropsychological factors Whiplash
What Are the Associated Symptoms? Symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders are many. One of the most common symptoms is an aching pain around the ear which may extend to the back and side of the head or down the neck. Other symptoms are: (718) 769-2521
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Pain around the jaw Tooth pain Facial pain Popping Clicking Limited jaw mobility Inability to clench the jaw fully Grinding of the teeth
How Is TMD Diagnosed? TMD is diagnosed with the help of a physical exam and a comprehensive study of the patient’s medical history. CT scan, MRI or X-ray may be used for making an accurate diagnosis. This will help identify cartilage damage in the jaw joint. Moreover, it will also help in excluding other medical conditions with similar symptoms. Physical examination may involve assessment of the jaw’s range of motion, coordination pattern ofthe temporomandibular joint, muscle tension and related factors. Based on the results obtained, treatment plans would be formulated. If required, to confirm the diagnosis, patients may be directed to a dentist who specializes in jaw disorders.
What Are the Treatments Available? Top experts in the field recommend non-invasive treatment methods first. Physical therapy which involves jaw stretching and relaxing exercises, and chiropractic care to relieve stress on the jaw muscles are the best options. Other associated treatments included are:
Heat and cold treatments NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) Trigger point injections (718) 769-2521
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If you feel you are suffering from TMD and need help, seek immediate care from a reliable healthcare /pain management center, where you canbe sure of an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Contact Us Dedicated to providing service with honesty and integrity, HealthQuest ensures care and support in friendly, comfortable surroundings. We go the extra mile to offer a level of customer service that exceeds the expectations of our patients. You can contact us at any time with questions or concerns regarding treatment procedures, recovery, or care. We welcome your suggestions and feedback. You will find our staff to be friendly and willing to help in any way we can. We accept Medicare, Workers’ Compensation, No-Fault and other major medical insurance plans. To schedule an appointment or consultation, contact us today at 718-769-2521 or forward an e-mail to info@hqbk.com. For emergency appointments, we can be reached at any hour via emergency pager. To know more about our service timings, please visit our hours/locations page.
(718) 769-2521
www.hqbk.com
info@hqbk.com