TMJ Pain Near Ear: Proven Jaw Pain Relief Techniques for Long-Term Comfort
What are the types of TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders can be divided into four categories:
- Jaw muscles disorder
- Temporomandibular disorder – This can further be sub-divided into Disc displacements or dislocations and Incompatibility of TMJ structures
- Inflammatory disorders like arthritis
- Long-time restricted movement of the lower jaw
- Growth disorders – under or overgrowth of the jaw or jaw muscles
What is TMJ disc displacement?
Usually, the temporomandibular joint has a disc that absorbs shock and facilitates the movement of the joint structure. However, in cases of excessive mouth opening, the disc can get displaced from its original location, restricting the movement of the lower jaw. This disc is present above the head of the lower jaw (condylar head of mandible) and is called an internal disc. Disc displacement can be of three types – disc displacement with reduction, disc displacement without reduction, and chronic disc displacement with reduction.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disc displacement with reduction?
The typical symptom of TMJ disc displacement with reduction is the loud clicking or popping sound heard when you open or close your jaw. There might not be pain when opening or closing the jaw, but there could be discomfort while chewing hard food.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disc displacement without reduction?
In disc displacement without reduction, there will be locking of the lower jaw and a reduction in jaw opening. The standard jaw opening is 45-60mm, but in disc displacement without reduction, the jaw opening could be reduced to less than 30mm. If the patient tries to close or move the jaw with pressure, pain will occur. Professional help is required to set the jaw in the correct position, as jaw locking can occur suddenly.
What is degenerative TMJ disorder?
The term ‘degenerative joint disease’ applies to arthritis (both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis). In general, arthrosis can be a non-specific term for a joint disease, or specifically a degenerative disease. The TMJs are among the most commonly used joints in the body. Over time, either with normal or para-functional use of the joint, wear and degeneration, called osteoarthritis, may occur. Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory joint condition, can also affect TMJs. Degenerative joint diseases can cause defects in the shape of the joint tissues, functional limits, and joint pain.
What is TMJ disc displacement with reduction?
In TMJ disc displacement with reduction, the disc is partially or entirely displaced from its location but returns to its original position without any treatment.
What is TMJ disc displacement without reduction?
In TMJ disc displacement without reduction, there is a loss of elasticity in the TMJ ligaments. This causes the disc to be in an anterior position with the mandibular condyle. As a result, there will be locking of the lower jaw in the closing position, and a reduction of jaw opening is seen. Dr. Adatrow can treat all kinds of TMJ disorders with his extensive expertise in TMJ.
