What is TMJ All About?
TMJ is a problemetic condition associated with the joints that connects the lower and upper jaw.
These joints are called temporomandibular joints.
Temporomandibular joints are basically function as hinge of the jaw that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. This joint is an articular disc composed of fibrocartilagenous tissue. It comprises of six parts:
1. Mandibular Condyles
2. Articular Surface of the Temporal Bone
3. Capsule
4. Articular Disc
5. Ligaments
6. lateral pterygoid.
The TM Joint facilitates movement of the jaws, thereby allowing essential functions like talking, eating and swallowing. Needless to say, the slightest afflictions caused to this joint, disrupt a great deal of its basic functions. The most common affliction that occurs is the TMJ Disorder. So, what is TMJ Disorder?
The TMJ Disorder is a term used to describe an acute inflammation of the TM Joint.
It is categorized in three ways:
TMJ Type1: By myofascial pain
The fascia is the tissue that connects the different parts of your body.
Fascia around the muscles is called myofascial. Thus, any injury to the
myofascial, will automatically adversely affect the muscles. The most
common TMJ disorder is associated with myofascial pain in the jaw
muscles and neck.
TMJ Type2: By internal injury:
Any dislocation, injury, or indeed, any derangement in the joint results in TMJ disorder.
TMJ Type3: By degenerative joint disease:
Problems like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the jaw are
underlying causes of TMJ disorder. It can't be stated for certain what
exactly causes TMJ disorder, although there are some standard
contributing factors. These can be classified into dental issues (such
as ill fitting dentures, tooth removal, missing teeth etc), injury or
trauma (on or around the jaw), bad habits (like bruxism or wrong
sleeping postures), social situations that cause stress and emotional
upheavals (such as depression, anger or fear).
A number of remedies are available for those suffering from TMJ disorder. In the initial stages of the condition, treatments like heat and ice therapy, or jaw resting techniques are used. Pain medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen are also prescribed. Corrective dental surgeries are used if the condition worsens. Sometimes a splint or bite plate may be required to be introduced. Non invasive and natural cures are also available. These may include stress reduction therapies, soft food diets and face and neck exercises.
For conditions like TMJ disorder, it is always advisable to take a multi dimensional approach. A holistic treatment strengthens your body from within. Therefore, it is much more affective to combine alternative and conventional treatments for long lasting relief. Thus, working on stress reduction methods, along with following a soft food diet and a face and neck exercise routine can go a long way in not only healing the TMJ disorder but also in preventing it from happening again.
This article is based on the book, "TMJ No More" by Sandra Carter. Sandra is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated her life to creating the ultimate TMJ disorders solution guaranteed to permanently reverse the root cause of TMJ and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life, without the use prescription medication and without any surgical procedures.
