Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD.
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Pain in the jaw area
- Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
- Swelling on the sides of the face
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
Should you notice any of these symptoms, let your doctor know. Your surgeon can help indicate the presence of TMD and create an effective treatment just for you.
Arthrocentesis Treatment
This is a non-invasive procedure that is done to treat TMJ and can be performed in an office setting. Many patients get immediate relief from the persistent pain that arthritic or ankylosed temporomandibular joints cause on an ongoing basis.
Surgical options such as arthroscopy and open joint repair surgery are reserved for severe cases. In these situations, Dr. Hussainy will review these surgical options with the patient and proceed accordingly.
If non-invasive treatment does not relieve the TMJ, then Dr. Hussainy will perform a partial or total joint replacement, a diskectomy, disk repair, and/or repositioning.
At Home
There are a few simple steps you can take at home or work to prevent TMD from becoming more severe or to prevent it from occurring:
- Relax your face — remember the rule: "Lips together, teeth apart"
- Avoid grinding your teeth
- Avoid constant gum chewing
- Don't cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder — either use a headset or hold the receiver in your hand
- Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
- Do not sit with your chin rested on your hand
- Practice good posture — keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared
