TMJ Treatment Options for Mild-to-Moderate Symptoms

Wondering about treatment for TMJ dysfunction? Read on to learn more. The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the joint responsible for opening and closing the jaw using the masseter muscle. When this joint and the surrounding structures begin to cause pain, TMJ disorder can result. Many people only experience mild to moderate symptoms of TMJ problems, which allows for multiple potential treatment options. Some may work better than others depending on the exact cause of a person’s TMJ issues, so it is worthwhile to try all of them to see what helps.

How TMJ treatment handles moderate symptoms

Patients who are experiencing dysfunction of the TMJ leading to pain or stiffness have multiple options to relieve the discomfort. It is often simplest to begin with:

Over-the-counter medication

In some patients, simply taking over-the-counter pain relief medicines is enough to ease the discomfort. Always be sure to follow the dosage instructions, and if pain persists such that the patient is taking numerous painkillers every day, it is best to speak with a medical professional to find longer-lasting relief. Use medications that relieve inflammation rather than those that simply mask the pain signals for the best results.

Facial exercises

Some TMJ challenges are caused by the musculature of the face being too tight or imbalanced. Facial exercises and physical therapy can restore symmetry to the muscles so they are not under strain all the time. This may relieve some or all of the discomfort associated with TMJ disorder. Even if patients can conduct these exercises at home, it is best to start with guidance from a physical therapist to ensure the exercises are being done correctly; otherwise, the problem may worsen.

Heat and ice

Alternating heat and ice to the TMJ area can relieve discomfort and help to reduce swelling and tension. Never leave either hot or cold packs on an area for more than 20 minutes; the ideal routine is 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Otherwise, the region may not see the benefits of this type of therapy.

Changing habits

Sometimes, temporomandibular joint disorder is caused, at least in part, by a person’s habits. They may grind their teeth when stressed, chew on their lips or a pen during the day, or favor one side of the mouth while eating. All of these behaviors (and many more) can gradually contribute to uneven use of the masseter muscles and strain on the TMJ.

Patients should consider which of their habits may be feeding into the TMJ disorder loop. Breaking these habits can help relieve pain on its own and stop TMJ problems from coming back.