There are a variety of conditions and disorders that can cause jaw pain, chronic headaches, and other types of mild to severe discomfort. When someone suffers with these or elated issues, it is important for them to visit their family dentist for an evaluation and learn more about their treatment options.
An individual’s temporomandibular joint, for example, may be out of alignment, While many people may refer to this as TMJ, it is actually a temporomandibular joint disorder. In addition to causing chronic pain, it can also cause people to clench their jaw and grind their teeth, which often leads to chronic headaches. This can occur when someone is asleep as well as when they’re awake.
While 35 million people throughout the United States have received a TMJ diagnosis, there are others that suffer with this condition that have yet to be diagnosed. Even though men are affected by TMJ, 95% of the individuals that have been diagnosed with this disorder are women. While TMJ may arise due to a variety of issues, some believe that it can exacerbated by muscle tension and other manifestations of stress.
Currently, it is believed that over 15% of adults within the United States experience chronic facial pain. This may be due to TMJ or other reasons, such as migraines and arthritis in the jaw. Recent data shows that over 37 million people within the United States experience migraines, which can be debilitating. Even though the medical profession may not know exactly what causes migraines, this doesn’t mean that treatment options aren’t available.
When someone needs TMJ treatment, chronic jaw pain treatment, and chronic headache treatment, a dentist will do their best to evaluate their situation on an individual basis. A dentist needs to rule out other possibilities, such as periodontal disease or a tooth that requires a root canal. After other issues have been ruled out, a dentist will recommend the best course of action.
In some instances, there may be a simple solution, such as wearing a night guard, which is often recommended for TMJ treatment. Massage, in combination with other treatments, may assist with loosening and relaxing the muscles surrounding this joint. There are, of course, other methods to address TMJ.
If you or someone in your family is suffering with these or similar issues, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. During the appointment, you will be able to discuss your symptoms and how these impact your daily life. While it does depend on the situation, your dentist will likely provide several recommendations. This may include TMJ treatment along with other types of facial and headache pain management.
