If you’re one of the over ten million Americans who suffer from TMJ disorder, you’re not alone. TMJ and sinus inflammation are common conditions resulting from several factors, but they should never be left untreated. Experts at Charlotte pain clinics can provide solutions to alleviate TMJ pain and discomfort, prevent the condition from worsening, and improve your quality of life.
Why You Should Never Leave TMJ Pain Untreated
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint dysfunction and is a condition in which jaw discomfort, headaches, ear pain, and jaw clicking or popping result from dysfunction of and inflammation at the joint. While this treatment is reversible with the right treatment plan, it will only worsen if left untreated, resulting in chronic pain, including frequent migraines, neck pain, and upper back pain.
In severe cases, it can cause individuals to experience difficulty chewing and recurrent ear ringing. Additionally, TMJ can also lead to other medical conditions causing additional concerns, including teeth grinding, sleep disturbances, poor dental health, facial swelling, unbalanced facial muscle development, tinnitus, and inner ear problems. It can also cause a locked jaw and cartilage breakdown.
What Causes TMJ and What Are the Symptoms?
Several factors contribute to TMJ, including involuntary teeth grinding or clenching and trauma to the neck, head, or jaw. Arthritis, fibromyalgia, and strain can also contribute to the development of TMJ.
Some of the most common symptoms include clenching teeth, teeth sensitivity, orthodontic issues, ear pain, and ringing of the ears. Chronic pain extends beyond the eyes into the face, neck, shoulders, and back, accompanied by regular headaches and noticeable jaw discomfort.
TMJ Treatment Options
TMJ may start as a minor condition, but when left untreated, it can lead to a host of additional medical issues and chronic pain. Chronic pain significantly impacts quality of life, which is why a personalized treatment plan early on is so important.
Some of the most common treatment options for chronic pain resulting from TMJ and sinus inflammation include alternating ice or heat on the affected joint, physical therapy, a mouth guard, over-the-counter pain relievers, stress management, relaxation exercises, and rest. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to effectively treat the condition and alleviate the chronic pain that results.
TMJ will impact your quality of life, so you must seek treatment at the first sign of symptoms. That way, you can reverse this condition and avoid other medical conditions that result from leaving TMJ unchecked. If you’re looking for experts who can develop a personalized treatment plan for you, we can help. Contact us today at Dynamic Health Carolinas to schedule an appointment and learn more about our services.