TMJ – Explained
Mike Walden
October 15, 2009
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ, as it is more commonly known as, is the main causal factor for problems in freely moving the jaw and experiencing aches. At the point where the skull is connected with the jaw, does this problem arise. The nature of this health hazard, its reasons as well the effects it has on the nerves, muscles, the teeth, the ligament system, the bone structure as well as the auditory system need to be looked into separately, since the affected are lies close to all the above locations in the body.
TMJ Disorder: Causal Factors
There is still considerable confusion regarding whether TMJ is the result of tinnitus problems, or it is the other way round. Researches have shown that there exists a close connection between the temporomandibular joint area and the nerves in the bones of the middle portion of the ear – thereby making a study of the relation between them highly useful. In particular, Pinto´s ligament (the ligament that connects the relatively small bones in the middle parts of the ear with TMJ) results in the Otomandibular Syndrome – a topic that is being extensively researched by Dr. Harold Arlan, MD, who serves at the Rudkers Medical School and the Medicine College and Dentistry at New Jersey, in the capacity of Assistant Clinical Professor in Otolaryngology Surgery.
When there exists a tendency of acute and serious inflammation in the joint of the temporomandibular area, TMJ problems can also surface as a direct result. Bruxism is the clinically approved term given to the habit of certain people, who, when under some tension, tend to clench or grind their teeth. In such people, TMJ often results from the fact that, the incisors and the canine sets of teeth are, via the medial pterygoid muscles (bilaterally placed in the middle parts of the temporomandibular joint area), located in a crossways manner, and has a side-by-side movement phenomenon.
The techniques of treating TMJ depends on a variety of medical factors, including a gene-based improper formation of the bone in the jaw, nerve-related problems, psychic issues, problems in the neuron-muscular system, dental problems as well as malformations that might occur from some trauma – and hence, each of them need to be analyzed in detail. If the affected third set of molars are affected by aching sensations, that need not be related to TMJ problems, although aberrations in the temporomandibular joint is often signaled by a swelling of the tissues in the proximal areas, as well as ear-aches.
Indicators Of TMJ Problems
The broad symptom of TMJ is a problem in being able to move the jaw freely, and the disease can also be the root cause for pain in the ear, lock jaw, aches in the head, trismus, the jaw becoming too tender, a popping and grating sound whenever the affected person opens/closes his/her mouth, and problems in being able to chew and bite freely. The click sounds, as well as popping noises indicate mild cases of this problem. If a person has a habit of biting nails, clenching his/her teeth often, or consumes an excessive amount of chewing gum, (s)he is more likely to be affected by TMJ. In most cases though, the symptoms of this disease are short-lived in nature, and there is no certainty in their pattern of occurrence either. However, having an operation has been proved to be effective in treating TMJ, in cases where the disease results from some sort of traumatic experiences, or similar such cases.
If the jaw is not aligned properly, and/or para-functional tendencies are developed, opening the jaw requires extra force, while the jaw can also move forward (in a protrusive manner), or even in a sideways/lateral sliding fashion – and the following causes can be held responsible for such health hazards:
Gene-related problems in the setup of the teeth, as the result of which the occlusal surface of the latter may get mal-aligned.
Traumatic experience faced in the past, or in recent times.
Continuous movement of the jaw in a cataleptic manner (i.e. bruxing).
A liking towards foodstuff with too many bones.
The joints of the jaws being impacted by degenerative health hazards in these areas.
The articular area being destroyed, particularly the organic part.
Ankylosis in the bones, as well as constant fibrous problems.
Dysfunctions and aches of the Myofascial type.
TMJ Treatment
The Temporomandibular joint disorder problems can be treated on either a short-period or on a lasting basis, both of which have been found to be extremely useful. The traditional NSAIDs can provide respite from the pain for a short period, although since the latter has a primarily neuralgic origin, no lasting cure can be hoped to be achieved by using drugs from the paracetamol family, which tend to have little, if any, utility.
The muscles that are masticating need to be provided physical therapeutic treatment, for a long-term cure, and all positions of the neck as well as the head have to be altered, that might cause problems in the joint in the temoromandibular area. In order to lessen the pressures that the TMJ gets exposed to, a Stabilizing Splint (which cannot be repositioned), is used, and this object comes in flat-surfaced form, for oral applications and complete coverage. However, since all patients might not find this treatment ideally suited to them, the Anterior or Frontal Splint can also be applied, and it can be used on any person, since it touches only the teeth in the front region. However, only in cases where the reversibility of such ´splint therapy´ is possible, is the latter recommended.
Treatment & TMJ Symptoms
TMJ cannot be, plainly speaking, got rid off simply by applying over the counter medications, like splints or mouthguards, or traditional treatment tools, like operations and medicines. The risk of the disease relapsing always remains in such cases, since such medications can, at most, lessen the symptoms of the problem. This is only natural, since TMJ is indeed likely to resurface if the root causes of the disease are not properly detected and fully removed. Home-made medications and/or supplements from plants cannot be expected to effect a permanent cure either.
All probable factors that might result in the TMJ problem have to be detected, by considering the entire body as a single unit, and go for holistic treatment methods, since only these methods can promise patients a permanent cure. The very recurring nature of TMJ can be removed, via such treatment methods. Not surprisingly, chances of having a relapse are done away with as well.
This article is based on the book "TMJ No More – Proven Holistic System of Curing TMJ, Bruxism and Whiplash" by Sandra Carter. Sandra Carter is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist and health consultant who has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.
To Learn More about Sandra Carter´s Unique 3-Step Holistic TMJ Cure System Visit: TMJ No More.
For further information visit: TMJ Site Map
TMJ Disorder: Causal Factors
There is still considerable confusion regarding whether TMJ is the result of tinnitus problems, or it is the other way round. Researches have shown that there exists a close connection between the temporomandibular joint area and the nerves in the bones of the middle portion of the ear – thereby making a study of the relation between them highly useful. In particular, Pinto´s ligament (the ligament that connects the relatively small bones in the middle parts of the ear with TMJ) results in the Otomandibular Syndrome – a topic that is being extensively researched by Dr. Harold Arlan, MD, who serves at the Rudkers Medical School and the Medicine College and Dentistry at New Jersey, in the capacity of Assistant Clinical Professor in Otolaryngology Surgery.
When there exists a tendency of acute and serious inflammation in the joint of the temporomandibular area, TMJ problems can also surface as a direct result. Bruxism is the clinically approved term given to the habit of certain people, who, when under some tension, tend to clench or grind their teeth. In such people, TMJ often results from the fact that, the incisors and the canine sets of teeth are, via the medial pterygoid muscles (bilaterally placed in the middle parts of the temporomandibular joint area), located in a crossways manner, and has a side-by-side movement phenomenon.
The techniques of treating TMJ depends on a variety of medical factors, including a gene-based improper formation of the bone in the jaw, nerve-related problems, psychic issues, problems in the neuron-muscular system, dental problems as well as malformations that might occur from some trauma – and hence, each of them need to be analyzed in detail. If the affected third set of molars are affected by aching sensations, that need not be related to TMJ problems, although aberrations in the temporomandibular joint is often signaled by a swelling of the tissues in the proximal areas, as well as ear-aches.
Indicators Of TMJ Problems
The broad symptom of TMJ is a problem in being able to move the jaw freely, and the disease can also be the root cause for pain in the ear, lock jaw, aches in the head, trismus, the jaw becoming too tender, a popping and grating sound whenever the affected person opens/closes his/her mouth, and problems in being able to chew and bite freely. The click sounds, as well as popping noises indicate mild cases of this problem. If a person has a habit of biting nails, clenching his/her teeth often, or consumes an excessive amount of chewing gum, (s)he is more likely to be affected by TMJ. In most cases though, the symptoms of this disease are short-lived in nature, and there is no certainty in their pattern of occurrence either. However, having an operation has been proved to be effective in treating TMJ, in cases where the disease results from some sort of traumatic experiences, or similar such cases.
If the jaw is not aligned properly, and/or para-functional tendencies are developed, opening the jaw requires extra force, while the jaw can also move forward (in a protrusive manner), or even in a sideways/lateral sliding fashion – and the following causes can be held responsible for such health hazards:
Gene-related problems in the setup of the teeth, as the result of which the occlusal surface of the latter may get mal-aligned.
Traumatic experience faced in the past, or in recent times.
Continuous movement of the jaw in a cataleptic manner (i.e. bruxing).
A liking towards foodstuff with too many bones.
The joints of the jaws being impacted by degenerative health hazards in these areas.
The articular area being destroyed, particularly the organic part.
Ankylosis in the bones, as well as constant fibrous problems.
Dysfunctions and aches of the Myofascial type.
TMJ Treatment
The Temporomandibular joint disorder problems can be treated on either a short-period or on a lasting basis, both of which have been found to be extremely useful. The traditional NSAIDs can provide respite from the pain for a short period, although since the latter has a primarily neuralgic origin, no lasting cure can be hoped to be achieved by using drugs from the paracetamol family, which tend to have little, if any, utility.
The muscles that are masticating need to be provided physical therapeutic treatment, for a long-term cure, and all positions of the neck as well as the head have to be altered, that might cause problems in the joint in the temoromandibular area. In order to lessen the pressures that the TMJ gets exposed to, a Stabilizing Splint (which cannot be repositioned), is used, and this object comes in flat-surfaced form, for oral applications and complete coverage. However, since all patients might not find this treatment ideally suited to them, the Anterior or Frontal Splint can also be applied, and it can be used on any person, since it touches only the teeth in the front region. However, only in cases where the reversibility of such ´splint therapy´ is possible, is the latter recommended.
Treatment & TMJ Symptoms
TMJ cannot be, plainly speaking, got rid off simply by applying over the counter medications, like splints or mouthguards, or traditional treatment tools, like operations and medicines. The risk of the disease relapsing always remains in such cases, since such medications can, at most, lessen the symptoms of the problem. This is only natural, since TMJ is indeed likely to resurface if the root causes of the disease are not properly detected and fully removed. Home-made medications and/or supplements from plants cannot be expected to effect a permanent cure either.
All probable factors that might result in the TMJ problem have to be detected, by considering the entire body as a single unit, and go for holistic treatment methods, since only these methods can promise patients a permanent cure. The very recurring nature of TMJ can be removed, via such treatment methods. Not surprisingly, chances of having a relapse are done away with as well.
This article is based on the book "TMJ No More – Proven Holistic System of Curing TMJ, Bruxism and Whiplash" by Sandra Carter. Sandra Carter is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist and health consultant who has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.
To Learn More about Sandra Carter´s Unique 3-Step Holistic TMJ Cure System Visit: TMJ No More.
For further information visit: TMJ Site Map