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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Question: Hello,
Since yesterday morning I have been experiencing stiffness in my left TMJ directly in front of my left ear. There is pain with movement only. The stiffness and pain worsened towards the evening yesterday.
At certain times I would feel a click if I moved my jaw in a certain direction, for example, all the way to the left or right, or if I opened my mouth fully and this would temporarily relieve the stiffness almost entirely. This only lasted a few minutes though as it would gradually come back.
This morning the pain and stiffness has not worsened but it is the same as it was last night.
The onset was sudden as it was perfectly fine the previous night and then when I woke up yesterday morning I could feel the stiffness. I have also never experienced something like this before so this is the first time.
My questions:
1) what is this and how did it happen given the sudden onset?
2) do I need to see someone about it or can I expect it to improve by itself? (as I would with a pulled muscle, for example)
3) any jaw exercises I can do?
4) any medication or other treatments that I can try?
5) how long does this usually last?
Thank you for your help.
Since yesterday morning I have been experiencing stiffness in my left TMJ directly in front of my left ear. There is pain with movement only. The stiffness and pain worsened towards the evening yesterday.
At certain times I would feel a click if I moved my jaw in a certain direction, for example, all the way to the left or right, or if I opened my mouth fully and this would temporarily relieve the stiffness almost entirely. This only lasted a few minutes though as it would gradually come back.
This morning the pain and stiffness has not worsened but it is the same as it was last night.
The onset was sudden as it was perfectly fine the previous night and then when I woke up yesterday morning I could feel the stiffness. I have also never experienced something like this before so this is the first time.
My questions:
1) what is this and how did it happen given the sudden onset?
2) do I need to see someone about it or can I expect it to improve by itself? (as I would with a pulled muscle, for example)
3) any jaw exercises I can do?
4) any medication or other treatments that I can try?
5) how long does this usually last?
Thank you for your help.
Brief Answer:
you seem to have symptoms pertaining to a TMJ syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting your query,
I have read through your query and I can understand your concern.
From the description you have provided, you seem to have symptoms pertaining to a TMJ disorder. Since your age and other details have not been mentioned, I would suggest a few possibilities for this disorder:
- could be due to some stress over the jaw muscles and joint while chewing unevenly.
- Joint arthritis
- habitual grinding of teeth
- associated with conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis, gout
If you have not tried any home remedies till now, I would recommend you to do the following:
* apply ice packs over the affected area for 10 mins followed by warm cloth over the area for another 10 mins. Do this daily.
* you may consider using any over the counter drugs like ibuprofen for pain if any
* avoid too much jaw movements while yawning and laughing
* Eat soft foods for a while that does not require much biting and chewing
* avoid resting your jaw on your hands
Usually mild forms of TMJ disorders can be treated at home and has a good prognosis.
Since you have been having these symptoms for quite a while, I would suggest you to consult with a doctor or a maxillofacial surgeon with a dental xray showing the joint, teeth and the surrounding areas. This will help him to look for the causes of this disorder and to guide you through the further management.
Jaw exercises could be advised only after looking for the exact cause of this disorder. Then your physiotherapist can provide you with right exercise techniques.
With proper treatment, rest and jaw exercises, this can be well managed.
Hope this helps
Please feel free to discuss for any further queries or else kindly close and rate
Warm regards
you seem to have symptoms pertaining to a TMJ syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting your query,
I have read through your query and I can understand your concern.
From the description you have provided, you seem to have symptoms pertaining to a TMJ disorder. Since your age and other details have not been mentioned, I would suggest a few possibilities for this disorder:
- could be due to some stress over the jaw muscles and joint while chewing unevenly.
- Joint arthritis
- habitual grinding of teeth
- associated with conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis, gout
If you have not tried any home remedies till now, I would recommend you to do the following:
* apply ice packs over the affected area for 10 mins followed by warm cloth over the area for another 10 mins. Do this daily.
* you may consider using any over the counter drugs like ibuprofen for pain if any
* avoid too much jaw movements while yawning and laughing
* Eat soft foods for a while that does not require much biting and chewing
* avoid resting your jaw on your hands
Usually mild forms of TMJ disorders can be treated at home and has a good prognosis.
Since you have been having these symptoms for quite a while, I would suggest you to consult with a doctor or a maxillofacial surgeon with a dental xray showing the joint, teeth and the surrounding areas. This will help him to look for the causes of this disorder and to guide you through the further management.
Jaw exercises could be advised only after looking for the exact cause of this disorder. Then your physiotherapist can provide you with right exercise techniques.
With proper treatment, rest and jaw exercises, this can be well managed.
Hope this helps
Please feel free to discuss for any further queries or else kindly close and rate
Warm regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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