Pain on either side of your head in front of your ears might be caused by a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). With convenient office locations across Maryland, the expert medical team at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center offers treatments for TMJ in Dundalk, Hyattsville, Olney, Lanham, Rosedale, Baltimore, and Gaithersburg, Maryland. To access relief from your TMJ pain in Maryland or the Washington, D.C. area, request an appointment through mobile or use the online booking tool.
What Is A TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is found where your jawbone meets your skull on either side of your head. This joint allows you to speak, chew, and open your mouth to yawn. Pain in one or both of these joints is referred to as a TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. Aside from pain, other signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Tenderness in the jaw.
- Headache.
- Uneven bite.
- Difficulty chewing.
- Jaw locking.
- Facial pain.
- Earaches.
You might also experience other signs of a TMJ disorder, such as a grating sensation or clicking sound when you open your mouth or chew.
What are the Common Causes of TMJ Disorder?
The TMJ is one of the most intricate joints in your body. It combines sliding motions with a hinge action to allow you to chew and speak. Cartilage covers your bones' ends using a small cushioning disc that separates the bones to enhance smooth movement. The complex nature, a heavy function of this joint, leaves the TMJ vulnerable to a wide range of damages, including:
- Misaligned or worn-out disc.
- Overuse due to teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
- Cartilage damage caused by arthritis.
- Acute trauma such as a blow to the head.
In some cases, there is no apparent cause of TMJ disorder. Most people who suffer from TMJ access relief from at-home treatments, such as relaxation techniques and self-massage to ease muscle tension. If you don't find relief from your TMJ pain with home care, the CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center providers can help.
How to Diagnose and Treat TMJ?
You might receive a TMJ disorder diagnosis from another healthcare provider, such as a dentist or primary physician. To comprehensively understand the scope of your TMJ disorder, your provider at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center conducts an extensive physical exam and cross-checks your medical history.
If necessary, they may conduct an MRI or X-ray on your jaw area. Once enough information is gathered about your condition, a customized treatment plan is developed for you. These include:
- Steroid injections.
- Corrective dental treatment,
- Botox injections.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Oral medications.
- Surgery for severe TMJ cases.
In conclusion, CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center offers effective solutions to adults who suffer from nearly all types of pain, whether neuropathic, musculoskeletal, acute, or chronic. For long-term relief from your TMJ pain and best-in-class progressive care, call the CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center near you or use the online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.
