What are ways to fix/cure TMJ without surgery?

Question

My jaw makes loud popping noises when i either yawn, or open my mouth wide. I haven't had professional diagnosis yet, but I'm pretty sure it's TMJ. I've had this problem for 5+ years now. It doesn't hurt or anything. I think the cause is from sleeping on my face or grinding my teeth when i sleep. I don't think i grind my teeth but who knows!

I've heard of some people getting surgery for this matter. I don't want to go that route because it doesn't bother me too much.

Are there other ways to fix a minor case of TMJ?

yes folks, i do clench my teeth when i'm doing random things. Like chopping vegetables!! I drives me nuts, but i can't help it! Hahaha...wierd but oh so funny.

Answer 1

If it is caught early, it will probably respond to resting the muscles and joints by eating soft foods, not chewing gum, avoiding clenching or tensing, and relaxing muscles with moist heat (1/2 hour at least twice daily). Relaxation techniques and stress reduction, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or other medications may be indicated in a dose your doctor recommends. Other therapies may include fabrication of an occlusal splint to prevent wear and tear on the joint.

Answer 2

Most chiropractors are well equipped to deal with this problem.. There are other signs to indicate this to be the problem.. There will be considerable tenderness at the base of the skull, on one side..There may be some tender areas in the scalp area. Each of these indicating there is a torsion of the skull which allows the templar/mandibular joint to be a bit out of alignment. This condition can advance to a locking of the jaw. Not a very comfortable experience. Is often accompanied by headache.

Be mindful of this being only a symptom of a much more involved problem. The tm joint can be easily reduced but it won't stay long as there is the torsion of the skull which will continue to malposition that particular joint.

As indicated by a previous entry, this form of treatment is generally very effective.. Only, her description of what is done is still only treating the symptom.. The real problem will be found in the neck and upper back. Unequal muscle tightness.

Answer 3

I'm just agreeing with Nebula_D 100%, if you need some confidence in reading these answers. I'm a dentist and wrote "Common Sense About TMJ and Occlusion" and I'm just telling you he is right. I send fewer than one person per year to be evaluated for TMJ surgery, so don't worry about that yet.

Answer 4

How To Fix Tmj

Answer 5

It sounds as if you have a mild case of TMJ that is caused by stress and possibly night time teeth grinding. If you do not suffer from migraines or tired jaws then eat soft foods as recommended by the other comments and reducing stress in your life. Also, you can relieve jaw pain by simply massaging inside of your mouth deep inside with your thumbs while massaging the outside with your fingers.
If you suffer from worn teeth by grinding then see your dentist for a night time mouth guard (orthodontic mouth piece) to align your jaw and prevent the clenching.
Surgery should always be the last resort and results are not always accomplished. You are not a candidate for surgery if this is as minor as you stated. Your mandible joint is just popping due to a stretched tendon that allows the joint to be temporarily displaced.

Answer 6

I'm a dentist.

First of all, "TMJ" stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint. It refers to the joint (you have one on either side) between the petrous portion of the temporal bone of your skull and the condyle of your mandible.

TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, is the diagnosis of the problem.

Statistically, more than half the population will experience some sort of symptoms related to their TMJs, however, very few need treatment. Most will simply subside on their own. When I see patients who present with symptoms, I generally recommend soft-chew diets, warm compresses, and maybe NSAIDs. Beyond that, little is needed. I rarely see these patients twice.

For those with ongoing symptoms, however, I generally like to make them an occlusal guard regardless of the etiology, which is a removable device that fits on the upper teeth that (through a mechanism I won't get in to here) forces the muscles of mastication to relax.

TMD can be caused by a variety of things, however, bruxing (i.e. clenching and grinding teeth...usually at night) is the most common. In such cases, it is usually the muscles that close the jaw (i.e. masticatory muscles) that are sore rather than the joint itself, however, they might experience clicking or popping nonetheless (I have my theories as to why this happens). We refer to the sore muscles as "myofascial pain", and muscle relaxants (e.g. Flexeril, Skelaxin) as well as NSAIDS, warm compresses, and perhaps more bedrest and lifestyle changes are all highly appropriate. In some cases, for patients who report being unable to get a good night's sleep, I will prescribe a sleep aid (Ambien or Lunesta). Those who seem to suffer from depression will get an antidepressant (Amitryptaline works well). With these, however, I don't keep them on it long (I'll leave that up to their physician). Alleviating stress and depression as well as having a good night's sleep all help curb bruxing.

Other patients, however, have TMD due to actual problems with the joint. Degenerative disease of the joint can and does occur. It can be related to untreated bruxing, but there are other causes. Proper radiographic examination of the joints is imperative before rendering any treatment. Regardless, these patients need to go to an oral surgeon. Often times, however, surgery on the joint is avoided because it really doesn't have a great track record in terms of improving symptoms and restoring function. If needed, however, a nonsurgical procedure called "Arthrocentesis" can be performed, which often provides patients with a great deal of relief.

Answer 7

I would hope you couldn't get breast implants at twelve years of age anyway. At age 12, I do not think ANY girl has big breasts. There is nothing wrong with small breasts. You look fine the way you are. I would stress out about that kind of thing when I was around your age though, but now that I have them, it's really not a big deal. Grass is always greener, I guess. Anyway, you could try getting some light padding for your bra. If you get too much padding, it will definitely not look natural.

Answer 8

I had advanced TMJ & it was very painful & caused terrible headaches.

My doctor sent me to a dentist. I hadn't seen a dentist since my teens due to the fillings my dentist drilled with no sedation - painfull.

Anyway, the dentist first arranged for my wisdom teeth to be removed. Then he a bite plate that I have to wear everynight. Over a matter of months my jaws re-aligned and most of the problems went away.

Answer 9

Some dentists use braces to fix the problem. You can research in your area and find a holistic dentist or someone who practices Chinese Medicine. Sometimes a chiropractor can help with this.
Use the yellow pages and just start asking. You can also do a search on the internet and see where it leads you. Try the yellow pages on line too. But you definitely want to find someone who practices alternative medicine. Good luck.

Answer 10

My chiropractor releases the muscle spasms in the jaw and the sides of my forehead...thus releasing the TMJ. A very simple and effective way to do this. He suggests that it is clenching the jaw that causes this to happen in the first place (stress). I learned to train myself to even wake in the night to relax my jaw when I'm clenching. When I get headaches in the sides of my head, this is the reason...TMJ...clenching.

Answer 11

If it is caught early, it will probably respond to resting the muscles and joints by eating soft foods, not chewing gum, avoiding clenching or tensing, and relaxing muscles with moist heat (1/2 hour at least twice daily). Relaxation techniques and stress reduction, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or other medications may be indicated in a dose your doctor recommends. Other therapies may include fabrication of an occlusal splint to prevent wear and tear on the joint.