TMJ Specialist

What symptoms accompany a TMJ disorder?

The symptoms of a TMJ disorder may vary depending on what caused it to occur, but health care professionals agree on some typical signs of the condition. These include:

• Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
• Aching in and around the ear
• Locking of the jaw joint
• Face, neck, and/or backache
• Jaw pain
• Difficulty or pain when chewing
• Clicking when you open your mouth
• Buzzing or ringing in the ears

The team at Precision Rehab Occupational Physical & Hand Therapy has training in recognizing and treating TMJ disorders. If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see the team for a diagnosis.

What causes a TMJ disorder?

Many factors cause a TMJ disorder, which is why the symptoms can vary. One reason can be the type of work you do. TMJ disorder is a common injury among professional violinists because of the way they have to hold their heads. Other reasons include:

• Autoimmune disease
• Grinding or clenching teeth
• Dental surgery
• Arthritis
• Infections
• Physical injury

Your provider at Precision Rehab Occupational Physical & Hand Therapy works with you to understand the root cause of the disorder so they can create a plan that treats not only the pain but the reason for it, too.

How do you treat a TMJ disorder?

Sometimes TMJ disorders go away on their own. It may just take rest or time to heal if it occurs because of an injury. Other times, the pain is persistent or recurring, at which point you should make an appointment to see a medical professional.

Precision Rehab Occupational Physical & Hand Therapy chooses the most appropriate care plan based on your condition and its cause. Treatment methods include:

Medication

Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers can ease TMJ pain and pain in the surrounding muscles. If over-the-counter medicines have no effect, your provider may prescribe stronger medication.

Muscle relaxants

If your TMJ disorder results from muscle spasms, your provider may prescribe muscle relaxants to ease symptoms.

Physical therapy

Several physical therapy practices are successful at treating TMJ, including ultrasound, heat and ice, and jaw-stretching and jaw-strengthening exercises.

Precision Rehab Occupational Physical & Hand Therapy uses state-of-the-art, minimally invasive technologies to treat and prevent TMJ disorders. 

If you think you may have TMJ, make an appointment today by calling Precision Rehab Occupational Physical & Hand Therapy or using the online scheduling tool.