There are a number of different treatment options for jaw pain, including surgery, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and bruxism. Read on to learn about these options and other treatment options for jaw pain. The following article provides information on what to expect during surgery and afterward. Jaw joint surgery can be a complex procedure, but it is a worthwhile investment in your health. To learn more, please contact a clinic near you to schedule a consultation.
Arthroscopic surgery
After your jaw joint arthroscopic surgery, you will likely be feeling numbness around the area of the incision. Your jaw joint will also be swollen, and you may experience a “droopy” face. You should start taking pain medication a day or two after the surgery. Your doctor will also recommend a physical therapy program to help you regain movement in your jaw. However, it is important to remember that the changes made to the bones and soft tissues are irreversible and may lead to new problems in the balance of the joint. If your surgery involves tendons or muscles, scar tissue will likely form and restrict jaw movement.
During this procedure, your jaw joint is placed under general anaesthesia. A small, two to three-millimetre incision is made into the skin over the joint. The arthroscope is inserted into the joint through this small cut. Sometimes, a second incision is required in order to view the entire joint, or to pass instruments through it. Your surgeon may also wish to remove fibrous tissue from the joint as part of the procedure.
Muscle relaxants
Often, TMJ pain is caused by tight and tense muscles in the jaw. The pain is a source of constant stress and can affect other areas of the body, including the face, head, and neck. Muscle relaxants are commonly prescribed to ease jaw pain and reduce muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants, which are only available by prescription, can be helpful in relieving pain and swelling caused by TMJ.
Many patients find relief through self-care exercises such as using heat and ice to treat the pain. Other options include trigger point injections and gentle manipulation to improve range of motion and ease pain. Physiotherapy may also be recommended, which involves exercises to strengthen facial muscles and prevent jaw clicking. Other options include biofeedback, which enables you to practice various techniques to manage pain and improve your overall well-being. Muscle relaxants at Jaw Joint Hospital
Physical therapy
If you suffer from pain in your jaw, you may be considering physical therapy. The physical therapists at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health are skilled in treating patients suffering from jaw pain. They use various massage techniques to relieve pain and restore proper function to the temporomandibular joint. Physical therapy also involves teaching patients how to take care of themselves. Patients should practice self-care techniques such as relaxing the jaw muscles, letting their mouths open to the point of discomfort, and avoiding certain positions that could trigger pain.
Physiotherapy at the Jaw Joint Hospital is the first step in treating your condition. During the sessions, a specially-trained physical therapist will analyze your jaw and neck to determine the exact cause of your pain. The therapist will then customize a rehabilitation program based on the specifics of your condition. Throughout the treatment process, the therapist will educate patients on how to prevent future pain and improve their daily functions.
Bruxism
Visiting a bruxism specialist can be an important step in treating your problem. It may not be painful, but the trigger points associated with bruxism can be quite painful, and can cause pain in the face and head. Bruxism can lead to problems with the joints of the jaw and tooth loss. Visiting a jaw joint hospital can help you find a solution to this problem.
Bruxism can cause damage to the teeth, because it causes cracks in the tooth enamel, which then exposes the tooth’s soft dentin structure. The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the joint responsible for all mouth movements. It connects the lower jawbone to the skull and is engaged when you speak or eat. If this joint becomes traumatized, it can cause severe pain, stiffness, and jaw locking.
TENS
Researchers at the Jaw Joint Hospital in Boston recently performed a randomized controlled trial of TENS treatment for TMJ. They used a standardized GRC (Global Rating of Change) scale to assess overall clinical changes and to assess subjective evaluation. The group treated with TENS showed significant improvements compared to the control group. In the trial, TENS significantly reduced TMJ pain, and bite forces increased as compared to the control group.
The use of TENS has also been extensively used to relieve chronic pain and muscle spasms. Patients undergoing treatment may experience significant reductions in pain based on the frequency and intensity of stimulation. It is important to note that TENS is not effective for everyone, and a consultation with a doctor is necessary to determine if it will be right for you. However, if you are considering the procedure, consider what the doctor and patients will tell you.