We recommend seeing a doctor as soon as you realize your TMJ may be a problem. Without any treatment, TMD can worsen and lead to more pain.
If you’re experiencing pain in your jaw and head as well as clicking noises when you chew, you could have an issue with your TMJ. Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on either side of your jaw near your ears and are vital in the opening and closing motions of your jaw.
Because it’s a complex joint, there are many potential causes of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and it can be difficult to pinpoint the reasons behind every case of TMD. But there are a few known causes of TMJ issues.
Sometimes, TMD is caused by the disk eroding or moving out of place, the cartilage is damaged by arthritis, or the joint is damaged in an accident. Though the cause of your TMJ issue may not be clear, it’s still possible to treat it.
We recommend seeing a doctor as soon as you realize your TMJ may be a problem. Without any treatment, TMD can worsen and lead to more pain.
An issue with your TMJ can cause you to feel pain when you chew, talk, and yawn. If your joint has been damaged or is out of place, it can cause pain and difficulty throughout the day.
Occasional pain may not be an issue, but if you feel pain frequently there may be an issue. We recommend scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Semaan for an accurate diagnosis.
Some jaw popping is benign, but it’s best to get a check-up just in case. Untreated TMJ can develop into a more serious and painful issue.
Yes, TMD can cause hearing loss. Your TMJ is located very close to your ear and if it’s damaged or out of place, it can cause hearing problems.
One contributing factor to TMD is jaw tightness or clenching. When your muscles are strained for a long time, they can also begin to spasm from exhaustion.
Yes, one of the most common symptoms of TMD is a headache.
Over-the-counter pain medications can be used to manage TMD, but if you still feel pain, let us know so we can help. Dr. Semaan can recommend treatment and other medications that can alleviate your pain.
Common symptoms of TMD include:
One reason behind some cases of TMJ issues is arthritis. If you’re affected by osteoarthritis, the disease may destroy the cartilage in your joint and cause issues when you chew and speak.
In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the jaw is often one of the last joints to be affected. If it is, it can destroy your jawbone and cause misalignment of your teeth.
No matter the cause of your TMJ problems, Dr. Morgan Semaan can help relieve your pain with a convenient treatment solution. She has extensive experience diagnosing and treating this complex issue, so she’ll be able to determine the best treatment solution for you.
When you come in for your free consultation, Dr. Semaan will ask you about your symptoms and examine your head, neck, mouth, and TMJ. She may perform additional diagnostic analyses if necessary, then develop a treatment plan.
Your treatment options at our office include:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may be helpful to help you strengthen and relax your jaw muscles. These exercises can help relieve pain and make you less likely to experience it in the future.
Stretching & Massaging
Stretches and massages can help to relieve pain in your jaw and also loosen your muscles so they’re not strained. Often, TMJ can be caused by or worsened by tense muscles in the area.
Relaxation Techniques
Practices like meditation and yoga are great for relaxing the whole body, and they may be able to help your TMJ. They can relax the muscles in your jaw so you feel less pain.
Jaw issues can make your life difficult — but they don’t have to. Dr. Semaan and our experienced team can find the right treatment plan to get your jaw feeling better.
To learn more about how we can help you, call our office at 248-642-3800 or fill out our convenient contact form, located on this page. Our office offers free consultations, so let us take a look at your jaw and show you how we can improve your life.