Jaw Hinge Pain
Sufferers usually first notice jaw hinge pain, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, because of pain while chewing. Untreated, it can cause greater problems, including migraines, and may require surgery.
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Causes
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Many issues contribute to jaw hinge pain, including whiplash injuries or a dislocated jaw joint. Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can also cause jaw pain. Stress is another contributing factor because many people grind their teeth or clench their jaws when stressed.
Symptoms
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When speaking or chewing, if you feel pain or tenderness in the TMJ area, the neck and shoulders, or around the ears, hear clicking sounds when opening or closing your jaw, or have problems chewing or with the jaw "locking," see a doctor. For any extended pain in the jaw area, consult your doctor.
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Diagnosis
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Your doctor or dentist will likely take X-rays or MRI or CT scans to identify TMJ problems. After a diagnosis, your doctor will either prescribe at-home treatments or may refer you to an oral surgeon.
Treatment
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Doctors will prescribe an anti-inflammatory to relieve the swelling and pain. They may also recommend that you apply cold or hot packs. Stretching exercises, eating soft foods, cutting food into small bites and keeping mouth movements small may also help. You may need to wear a splint or night guard to correct your bite position. If, however, you have bone spurs or chips or a severe problem with the teeth or muscle tissue, the doctor will refer you to an oral surgeon.
Surgery
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If the non-surgical options offer no relief, an oral surgeon may decide surgery is needed. The three main surgery options are arthroscopic, arthrocentesis and open joint surgery.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Paul Stocker
