If you are wondering if there are ways to treat TMJ then you are already familiar with it. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and is often used interchangeably with TMD, which stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ disorders can develop for several reasons including trauma, strain, and teeth/jaw misalignment, but the reason may not be apparent. Symptoms of TMD’s can include headache, neck ache, shoulder and back ache, soreness or pain in your jaw muscles, and more. So, if you’re wondering if there are treatments available for TMJ take our true or false quiz below to find out.
True or False?
- True or False: There are several different ways to treat TMJ disorders. ,
- True or False: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a treatment for TMJ.
- True or False: Sound waves can also be used to treat TMJ.
- True or False: The most common treatment for TMJ is the use of an oral splint.
Answers:
- True: In most cases TMJ disorders are treated very conservatively using oral splints, stretches, muscle relaxants, or other non-invasive treatments.
- True: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, uses nerve stimulation to help treat TMJ disorders. Tiny electrical currents stimulate the nerve endings around the jaw joint to produce endorphins in your brain to kill the pain.
- True: Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to reduce pain. It produces heat that promotes the healing of soft tissue. It also speeds up healing by improving circulation, and decreases inflammation which, in turn, increases range of motion.
- True: Oral splints are a popular, non-invasive, and conservative treatment used to treat TMJ disorders. The splint keeps the teeth in the upper and lower arch from touching, preventing pressure on the jaw joint, and therefore relieving symptoms of TMJ.
