Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) refers to a condition in which there is decreased mobility of the joints in the TMJ area
A joint is a joint when the muscles and ligaments are in one place, as when we move a joint in our body. When these tissues become strained, they can lose their tightness, allowing them to separate from one another.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction refers to a condition in which there is a decrease in joint mobility in the area of the temporomandibular joint. This condition occurs due to stress on a specific joint or muscles that control the muscles in the TMJ area and cause pain and pressure, which leads to the disorder.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can occur in the following ways: Osteoarthritis, which is the most common type, occurs when the cartilage between the bones wears out over time. When it doesn't respond properly, the bones shift into each other and pain is felt. Pain in this type of arthritis can be intermittent or constant. A more serious type of arthritis called osteoporosis can lead to bone fractures. A degenerative joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, occurs when the immune system attacks the joints of the body and causes inflammation.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can also be caused by other conditions such as arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which the body does not respond to treatment with its own cells. When the body does not respond to treatment, it can cause joint damage, inflammation, and infection. If left untreated, arthritis can lead to more serious conditions such as osteoporosis.
Another common cause of joint dysfunction is trauma to the temporomandibular joints, also referred to as the TMJ. Some common reasons for this include getting hit on the head or being knocked down during sports. Head injury results in damage to the soft tissue of the ear and the temporomandibular joints, resulting in increased pain and stiffness. People who have had surgery for the ears or had accidents can also experience TMJ issues.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction can also be caused by muscles, such as a pulled muscle, when the muscles in the neck and upper back tighten up on the joint causing pain. It can also be caused by misalignment of the bones. A condition called myotonic dystrophy can cause the muscles to weaken and loosen the muscles in the joint, resulting in pain. Muscle weakness can also cause TMJ pain, but this is uncommon.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction can also be caused by overuse, overstretching, lack of exercise, excessive wear, and tear, and trauma to the TMJ.
Other causes are infections, disease, and medication
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction can be treated, with the use of pain relievers, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, and surgery. When the condition worsens, medication is sometimes prescribed to reduce pain.
Physical Therapy can help to strengthen the muscles and joints that support the temporomandibular joint disorder. This is important because if they are weakened, they can cause pain. If they are strong, they may help to prevent further damage from occurring.
Chiropractic care is another option used to treat the temporomandibular disorder. This type of care is performed by a trained professional such as a chiropractor or osteopath. They can perform different treatments to help the patient. control the pain and inflammation and restore the joint stability.
Surgery is not always necessary when dealing with TMJ pain. Sometimes, when pain and swelling are present, the best course of action is to see a doctor for treatment and to see if a surgery can be done.
The success rate for surgery for temporomandibular joint disorder is very high. In many cases, the surgery will go well, but some problems can still occur and cause problems. After all, everyone's bodies are different and there are no guarantees that surgery will work for everybody.
