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· Arousal · Hearing · Posture · Sleep · Vision
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The Cause of Internet and TV Addiction? www.causeof.org |
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Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Note: TMD is also sometimes referred to as TMJ symdrome.
· Symptoms · Causes
"Today, researchers generally agree that temporomandibular disorders fall into three main categories: · myofascial pain, the most common form of TMD, which is discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function and the neck and shoulder muscles; · internal derangement of the joint, meaning a dislocated jaw or displaced disc, or injury to the condyle; · degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint." NIDR: What are Temporomandibular Disorders?
· "We know that severe injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint can cause TMD. A heavy blow, for example, can fracture the bones of the joint or damage the disc, disrupting the smooth motion of the jaw and causing pain or locking. Arthritis in the jaw joint may also result from injury… · Some suggest, for example, that a bad bite (malocclusion) can trigger TMD, but recent research disputes that view. · Orthodontic treatment, such as braces and the use of headgear, has also been blamed for some forms of TMD, but studies now show that this is unlikely. · And there is no scientific proof that gum chewing causes clicking sounds in the jaw joint, or that jaw clicking leads to serious TMJ problems. In fact, jaw clicking is fairly common in the general population. If there are no other symptoms, such as pain or locking, jaw clicking usually does not need treatment."
"Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck – such as from a heavy blow or whiplash – can cause TMD. Other possible causes include: · Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ · Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket · Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ · Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth" WebMD: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Chewing-Side Preference Laterality: Change in Chewing-Side Preference May Cause TMD
Stress "Stress and tension may awaken a (quiet) asymptomatic TMD, aggravate or intensify an existing temporomandibular condition. However, in order for stress to effect TMD there must be an underlying physical predisposition for the disorder to cause TMD. If a patient has healthy dental occlusion, muscle and jaw function, stress would not cause TMD, but would likely produce effects elsewhere in the body."
Conservative and Reversible Treatments "The key words to keep in mind about TMD treatment are 'conservative' and 'reversible.' Conservative treatments are as simple as possible and are used most often because most patients do not have severe, degenerative TMD. Conservative treatments do not invade the tissues of the face, jaw or joint. Reversible treatments do not cause permanent, or irreversible, changes in the structure or position of the jaw or teeth."
Self-Care Practices "Because most TMD problems are temporary and do not get worse, simple treatment is all that is usually needed to relieve discomfort. Self-care practices, for example, eating soft foods, applying heat or ice packs, and avoiding extreme jaw movements (such as wide yawning, loud singing and gum chewing) are useful in easing TMD symptoms. Learning special techniques for relaxing and reducing stress may also help patients deal with pain that often comes with TMD problems."
Stretching and Relaxation "Other conservative, reversible treatments include physical therapy you can do at home, which focuses on gentle muscle stretching and relaxing exercises, and short-term use of muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory drugs."
Improper Treatment "All too often patients are classified as "chronic pain patients" and their complaints pigeonholed as stress or psychological disorders. These patients may be relegated to treatment only with medication and counseling, with no treatment of the physical cause of their illness. A valid analysis of each patient is essential to give fair weight to the physical vs. psychological status before that patient is told, in essence, "it's all in your head."
Early Treatment, Progression "Early appropriate treatment of a TMD may avoid the progression to a chronic pain state, much less easily resolved."
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