Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common chronic condition involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the related structures. They are more prevalent in women and in association with other co-morbidities such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sleep disorders, mood and psychological conditions, bruxism, etc.
Common symptoms of TMJ or TMD include:
- Pain in the TMJs and muscles of mastication
- Difficulty opening wide
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulty chewing
- Joint sounds such as clicking and popping
- Headaches
- Discomfort in the ear – pain, ringing/tinnitus, congestion
- Pain in the neck
Common treatment modalities include:
- Patient education and stress management
- Physical therapy
- Occlusal splint and night guard therapy
- Pharmacological therapy
- Photo-bio-stimulation (PBM) therapy
Understanding Chronic Pain in the Head and Neck
In this video, Dr. Lakshmi delves into chronic pain conditions affecting the head and neck area, focusing on myalgia, also known as myofascial pain and dysfunction syndrome. Learn about trigger points, their types, and their distribution in muscles such as the masseter and temporalis, and their associated pain patterns. Additionally, we discuss common symptoms and various treatment modalities like passive stretching, medications, and innovative interventions like Botox injections. Discover the mechanisms behind these treatments and how they provide relief from chronic pain.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ or TMD, patients can find relief with non-surgical treatments provided by oral medicine specialist at North Dallas Dental Health. Book an appointment today for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.
1. Mieszko Wieckiewicz, Klaus Boening, Piotr Wiland, Yuh-Yuan Shiau & Anna Paradowska-Stolarz Reported concepts for the treatment modalities and pain management of temporomandibular disorders. J Headache Pain. 2015:16:106. doi: 10.1186/s10194-015-0586-5.
2. Yadav S, Yang Y, Dutra EH, Robinson JL, Wadhwa S. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in Older Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2018 Jul;66(6):1213-1217. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15354.
