|
Many people do not realize that the muscles which control the jaw for talking, chewing and biting are located in the temple area of the head, on the sides of the face, and down the front of the neck. Consequently pain is often felt as headaches, facial pain and neck pain. There are a number of myogenous disorders; the most common being myofacial pain, trismus, and spasm. Purely myogenous disorders are relatively easy to treat.
These disorders involve the actual TM joint. As the illustration above shows, the TMJ sits just in front of both ears, and allows the lower jaw to open and close. There is no other joint in the body like the TMJ. It has two joints connected by a single bone which also articulates with 32 teeth. It has both a rotating and sliding motion with a small disc interposed between the joint. That is why without advanced knowledge of the functions of this joint improper treatment can often lead to harm. These disorders are more difficult to treat and are characterized by jaw clicking and popping, jaw locking and deviation, and pain in around the ear. Below are descriptions of the most common problems with the TMJ:
1. TMJ Arthritis: Arthritis can happen in the TMJ just as in any other joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is uncommon in the TMJ but osteoarthritis is relatively common. This can result in grating or grinding noises in the TMJ, pain and changes in the bite. Disc displacements predispose a TMJ for osteoarthritis. Treatments are to decrease the inflammatory chemicals within the TMJ and decreasing the load or stress on the TMJ.
2. TMJ Disc Dislocation: Disc displacements happen in the TMJ similar to the neck or back. This happens when the ligaments, which hold the disc in place, become stretched or torn. This leads to popping or clicking with jaw opening or closing and can lead to jaw locking. This frequently happens by trauma and repetitive strain on the TMJ such as in teeth clenching or grinding. This is treated by reducing the stain on the joint and adapting the disc/joint complex.
3. TMJ Capsulitis: Capsulitis, sometimes called retrodiscitis or arthralgia, is a sprain within the TMJ. When a trauma or repetitive strain overloads the functional capacity of the joint, this leads to the production of inflammatory chemicals. Arthritis and disc displacements can also stimulate the production of these chemicals. This is treated by reducing the strain on the joint and reducing the inflammatory chemicals.
(back to top)
|
