Have you been experiencing frequent headaches, jaw pain or muscle aches in the upper body? It could be a sign of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, caused by misalignment of the jaw.
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can create uncomfortable problems like:
By providing therapeutic care for TMJ, we can help patients avoid the complications and discomforts associated with their condition. Non-invasive treatments can be successful in relieving symptoms of TMJ problems, as well as eliminating habits that contribute to the condition.
One effective treatment that we use is making a customized bite splint for our patients to wear, which prevents them from grinding their teeth together or forcefully locking their jaws. These bite guards can be worn during the day, or when you sleep. They gently position the teeth and jaws into a resting position, preventing excess strain of the TMJ area and joint cartilage. If your joint pain is related to misalignment of your teeth, we may recommend orthodontic therapy to help restore your smile to a point where it can function correctly during the day.
We work closely with each one of our TMJ therapy patients to determine your specific causes of the condition, and create an individualized care plan that helps you better manage your joint pain. Most people utilize relaxation exercises such as yoga, massage therapy, warm compresses and even physical therapy treatments if needed. For some of our patients, Botox injections or prescription medications are needed to help the muscles relax.
