Unfortunately stress is something that everyone experiences to varying degrees, and these past few years the COVID-19 pandemic has been no help. Life stressors can take a toll on your overall health, and the head and neck is no exception.
A Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is a condition in which there is discomfort or malfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or its associated muscles.
There are three different ways to classify TMDs: dysfunction of the joint, discomfort of the chewing muscles associated with the TMJ, and headaches associated with TMD. People can fall under just one or all three of these categories. Often times the exact cause of a TMD is unknown, but it has been shown to have some association with genetics, stress, and pain perception. Less commonly, an injury can be the reason behind a TMD.
Symptoms of TMD usually involve pain in the jaw joint or chewing muscles. This pain can radiate to other areas of the head and neck or cause headaches. People can also experience stiffness of the jaw, limited range of motion in the jaw joint, or difficulty opening their mouth.
If you feel as though you are experiencing symptoms of TMD you should contact your dentist for an evaluation. At the appointment your dentist will take a detailed history and do an exam. Sometimes imaging will be required such as x-rays or scans to assess the TMJ.
If you are diagnosed with a TMD then initial treatment is usually very conservative, and involves treating the symptoms in order to break the cycle of discomfort.
Recommendations for treating TMD:
- When you are having a flare up stick to a soft diet to avoid over-exerting the joint. This means avoiding hard or chewy foods and choosing to eat something that involves minimal chewing.
- Alternate between warm and cool compresses over the painful area to provide relief.
- Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication as directed such as ibuprofen or naproxen will help with pain and decrease inflammation.
- Seek care with a physical therapist who can evaluate and treat the joint and muscles to help return to normal function. They will perform and teach exercises and movements that increase mobility and strength of the TMJ and its associated muscles.
- If you are a person who clenches or grinds your teeth then a nightguard may something to consider for the future. This will help reduce the stress and pressure that is put on your teeth, muscles, and joint.
- Quite possibly the most important factor is identifying any life stressors that may be causing your TMD to flare up. Frequently episodes of a TMD are associated with times of stress or anxiety. Figuring out what may be causing your tension and treating as you are able to can have a huge impact. Therapy, exercise, meditation, or any activity that can provide you with some relaxation can be helpful in breaking these cycles.
Recovering fully from a TMD flare up can take some time, but people typically start to see improvements after following these guidelines for a few days. It is rare that anything more invasive, such as a surgical procedure, is needed. TMD is something that can present itself throughout your life, but identifying the problem and knowing the steps to treatment are important to managing this condition.
For more information about TMD take a look at the reference article from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd