|
TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint disease, is a
painful condition affecting the area where the lower jaw
connects to the sides of the skull, and that impairs function
and sensation in the face and jaw. TMJ dysfunction involves
clicking sounds in the joint, limited movement of the jaw, and
face pain that may also spread to the ears, neck, and
shoulders. About 33% of the population has TMJ dysfunction,
and as many as 75% have some symptoms.
The following signs and symptoms often accompany TMJ
dysfunction:
 | Pain, particularly in the chewing muscles and/or jaw
joint
| Limited movement or locking of the jaw
| Radiating pain in the face, neck, or shoulders
| Painful clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw
joint when opening or closing the mouth
| A sudden, major change in the way the upper and lower
teeth fit together
| Sometimes headaches, earaches, dizziness, and hearing
problems. |
| | | | |
|
The
following risk factors are associated with TMJ dysfunction:
| High stress levels
| Gender-women seek treatment two times more than men
| Age-people 30 to 50 years of age are most often affected
| Nutritional or metabolic disorders
| Grinding teeth, clenching jaw
Malocclusion (bad bite) |
| | | |
Stress may cause or aggravate TMJ dysfunction. People
with dysfunction often clench or grind their teeth at night,
which can tire the jaw muscles and lead to pain. Other
possible causes include:
| Severe injury, such as a heavy blow, to the jaw or to
the temporo-mandibular joint
| A bad bite (malocclusion)
| Orthodontic treatment, such as braces and the use of
headgear
| Jaw clicking, which is more likely the sign of a
displaced disk |
| | |
|
Acupuncture
is remarkably successful in the treatment of TMJ symptoms. Not
only does it helps loosen TMJ muscles, but also addresses the
underlying cause, the stress. Therefore, by relieving the
stress, acupuncture prevents the TMJ dysfunction from
returning as well as treating all of the symptoms induced or
aggravated by tension. Special, hair-thin needles are inserted
near the TMJ in order to loosen up the muscles and to improve
blood circulation in the face in the TMJ area. Next, the
relaxation centers will be activated to alleviate the tension
and stress. It usually takes 3 to 6 sessions to treat TMJ
dysfunction depending on how severe the condition is.
For a complete consultation, please
contact us at 704.968.0351. |
