Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome
Temporomandibular joint syndrome, or more often referred to as TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term used to refer to a number of symptoms and disease processes that lead to acute or chronic inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joint, or the joint which occurs between the jaw and the skull. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ is susceptible to a number of diseases and disorders that affect any joint of the body, like ankylosis, trauma, dislocations, arthritis, developmental anomalies, and neoplasms.
The signs and symptoms of TMJ syndrome can be varied and complex. The complicating factors with TMJ syndrome are the close approximation of many different types of tissue, from muscle to nerve to connective, as well as bones and teeth. Any of the various tissues proximal to the TMJ can precipitate symptoms of TMJ syndrome. The most common complaints of TMJ syndrome involve the muscles of mastication. Pain, swelling, and trismus-or limitation of the movement of the jaw-can all present as TMJ syndrome.
The most common cause of the muscular aspects of TMJ syndrome are misuse and dysfunction, caused by repetitive grinding movements of the jaw, as well as aggressive lateral movements of the jaw. These types of degenerative movements are related to habitual chewing of gum, biting of the nails, or bruxism-grinding of the teeth. Since bruxism is exceedingly common, many sufferers of TMJ syndrome also suffer from bruxism.
The other causes of TMJ syndrome can be more dangerous as well as complicated. These include deep abscess, bacterial infections, or even neoplasms about the TMJ. Disorders of the teeth can also precipitate the symptoms of TMJ. This is caused by inappropriate joining of the surfaces of the teeth which cause uneven pressure on the different facets of the TMJ joint.
The most common management of TMJ syndrome are over the counter analgesics like paracetamol to control the pain. The problem is that many times the pain involved with symptoms of TMJ syndrome are neuralgic in origin, so over the counter pain killers are not very effective. Another commonly used route of treating the pain associated with TMJ syndrome are tricyclic anti-depressants with anti-muscarinic properties, like Amitriptyline.
The most effective way of managing TMJ syndrome and eliminating the pain involved would be to eliminate the root of the problem. The root of the precipitating factors can vary from case to case, so concerning TMJ syndrome the doctor will have to perform an in depth diagnostic in order to find the true cause of the symptoms. The cause can vary from chewing dysfunction, infection, and even neoplasm. Chewing dysfunctions include gnashing of the teeth, grinding of the teeth, inappropriately fitting dental surfaces, and even bad chewing habits or eating excessively large foods.
Depending on the source of temporomandibular joint syndrome, the doctor or dentist may prescribe antibiotics or a plan of action involving physiotherapy. For sufferers who grind their teeth, the doctor may prescribe night guard in order to decrease the pressure on the joint. No matter what the cause, only through effective diagnostic techniques can the doctor help a sufferer of TMJ syndrome feel better.