Kaufman: Removing the Stress Disorder Around Jawbone Joints

The temporomandibular joint is a jaw joint where the the lower jawbone meets the skull. These joints allow us to talk, yawn and chew. Because the muscles that move these joints are small and have to work hard, it’s relatively easy to overwork them. An article from http://www.kelownacapnews.com has featured several facts about this disorder:

• TMJ disorders can cause pain or tenderness in the jaw, aching pain in and around the ear or in the facial muscles, difficulty chewing, headaches, locking of the joint and difficulty opening the jaw and an uncomfortable or uneven bite because of tooth misalignment.

• TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when chewing or opening the mouth.

• TMJ disorders can be caused by many different types of problems—including arthritis, jaw injury, or muscle fatigue from clenching or grinding your teeth.

• The TMJ combines a hinge action with sliding motions.

• The bones of the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which keeps the movement smooth.

• TMJ disorders can be caused when the disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment, the joint’s cartilage is damaged by arthritis, the joint is damaged by a blow or other impact, or if the muscles that stabilize the joint become fatigued from overwork, which can happen from clenching or grinding the teeth. In many cases, however, the cause of TMJ disorders isn’t clear.

• Western medical treatment of TMJ disorders may include medications such as painkillers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or cortisone or Botox injections, a bite guard to protect the joint against teeth grinding or clenching at night, cognitive behavioural therapy to better manage stress and tension, massage therapy to relieve tension and physiotherapy to promote proper jaw alignment. In severe cases, surgery or corrective dental work may be considered.

• Acupuncture can help with TMJ disorder in a number of ways.

• Things that can be done to reduce stress on the TMJ joints include maintaining a relaxed jaw posture, avoiding clenching or grinding teeth, avoiding overusing the jaw muscles such as avoiding sticky or chewy foods and cutting food into small pieces and working to reduce stress and anxiety.

Read more here:

http://www.kelownacapnews.com/lifestyles/240177811.html

Image Courtesy of imagerymajestic / freedigitalphotos.net