TMJ/Face Pain

TREATING TMJ AND FACE PAIN

Many people have experienced occasional facial discomfort that is caused by a variety of factors. However, if the pain and tenderness doesn’t subside, you may need to check with a physician to be evaluated for a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. While it is often difficult to identify the exact cause of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), most professionals believe the joint or muscles of the jaw have been affected in such a way that problems result.

Treating Tmj and Face Pain

Treatment Options

Once you meet with your physician and discuss the possibility of a TMJ disorder, you may wonder what treatments are available. There are at least three different types of treatment options:

  • Medication – Because pain is often the biggest complaint of individuals suffering from TMJ, pain relieving medications are often prescribed along with other non-surgical options. If your facial pain is partly caused from clenching your teeth at night, your doctor may prescribe a sedative to help you sleep more peacefully. Antidepressants and muscle relaxants may also be prescribed depending on your symptoms.
  • Therapies – Non-surgical therapies are also commonly prescribed for sufferers of TMD. You may be encouraged to attend counseling to help you understand how to avoid factors that aggravate your pain. Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy and/or provide you with a bite guard.
  • Procedures and Surgery – Procedures, such as arthrocentesis and injections, may help relieve facial pain. If all of the above options fail to work, surgery may be the only option for completely relieving your pain.

If you are experiencing facial pain, difficulty chewing, locking of the jaw, aching in and around your ear, or any other symptom associated with TMD, contact your doctor today to find out what treatment option is right for you. To learn more about TMJ disorder or for details about the many face pain treatments available at Summa Pain Care, call 623.776.8686 now.

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