Jaw Issues: Treatment Options for Long-Term Pain

Q: Jaw Issues: Treatment Options for Long-Term Pain

Hello Ming-Tzu： The movement of the jaw is related to what we call the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). <br>A detailed examination is necessary, including palpation, X-ray examination, etc., to clarify the underlying cause of the condition and to provide appropriate treatment. <br>

My chin?

I am about to enter my senior year, but my jaw issue still hasn't improved.
During middle school, there was a night when I chewed gum for too long, which led to my jaw suddenly becoming immobile the next day around noon.
After a while, it regained movement, but since then, I've had problems with my jaw.
On the right side, near my ear, there are sounds when I open and close my mouth, accompanied by a clicking sensation.
Occasionally, I experience pain that lasts for a day, and sometimes it feels like my jaw gets stuck when I try to open it.
This has been going on for over three years now, and it seems like the left side is also affected, as I experience similar sticking issues and have to tilt my head in different directions to open my mouth.
Could you please advise me on how to treat this? Is surgery necessary, or would physical therapy suffice? Is it still possible to treat this after more than three years?

Mingzi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/06/01

Dr. Lin Qingye reply Dentistry

Hello Ming-Tzu: The movement of the jaw is related to what we call the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
A detailed examination is necessary, including palpation, X-ray examination, etc., to clarify the underlying cause of the condition and to provide appropriate treatment.
Since you have delayed seeking medical attention for quite some time, I recommend that you address this issue as soon as possible to avoid impacting your quality of life.
Contact number: 06-6351131-2208.

Reply Date: 2004/06/01

More Info

It sounds like you have been experiencing significant issues with your jaw for quite some time, and I understand how frustrating and concerning this can be. Based on your description, it seems that you may be dealing with a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which can manifest as pain, clicking sounds, and limited movement in the jaw. This condition can arise from various factors, including jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or even trauma, such as the incident you described with chewing gum excessively.

Understanding TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can result from a variety of causes, including:
1. Muscle Tension: Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension in the jaw, causing pain and dysfunction.

2. Joint Issues: The TMJ itself can develop problems, such as displacement of the disc within the joint or arthritis.

3. Injury: Trauma to the jaw or head can lead to long-term issues with the joint and surrounding muscles.

4. Dental Issues: Misalignment of teeth or jaw can contribute to TMJ disorders.

Symptoms
The symptoms you described, such as clicking sounds, pain near the ear, and a sensation of the jaw getting stuck, are common in TMJ disorders. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may be exacerbated by certain activities, such as chewing or speaking.

Treatment Options
1. Conservative Treatments:
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles and improve flexibility. They may also use modalities like ultrasound or heat to relieve pain.

- Occlusal Splints: A dentist may recommend a custom-made splint or night guard to help reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) or muscle relaxants can help manage pain and reduce muscle tension.

- Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or counseling can help reduce stress-related muscle tension.

2. Invasive Treatments:
- Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections into the joint may provide relief.

- Surgery: Surgery is typically considered a last resort and is only recommended if conservative treatments fail and if there is a clear structural issue with the joint.

Do You Need Surgery?
Given that you have been experiencing these symptoms for over three years, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in TMJ disorders. They can conduct a thorough examination, which may include imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs, to assess the condition of your jaw joint and surrounding structures. Surgery is not always necessary and is usually reserved for severe cases where other treatments have failed.

Prognosis
The good news is that many people with TMJ disorders can find relief through conservative treatments. While it may take time and patience to see improvement, many individuals experience significant reductions in pain and improved function with appropriate management.

Conclusion
In summary, it is crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a dentist or a specialist in TMJ disorders. They can guide you through the appropriate treatment options based on your specific situation. Remember, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek help. You don’t have to live with this discomfort, and there are effective strategies available to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Can Chiropractic Treatment Help with Long-Term TMJ Disorders?

I would like to ask about a case of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder that has lasted for over ten years. The lower jaw has progressed from a painful phase to a pain-free state, allowing for normal mouth opening and eating, but there is a noticeable facial asymmetry. Is it a...

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Lin, Hello! Regarding osteopathy, I actually do not understand its medical mechanisms. As for the noticeable facial asymmetry, it occurs when the mouth is opened or closed. If it is the latter, then orthognathic surgery may be necessary. Please take care! Wishing you pe...

Understanding Jaw Pain: Is It TMJ Disorder or Something Else?

A few days ago, I experienced severe pain in my left ear and jaw that kept me awake at night. I then visited a dental clinic, where I was diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The doctor prescribed muscle relaxants and pain relievers for three days. After finishi...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: If the primary diagnosis is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), it is recommended to focus treatment in this direction and purpose. TMJ disorder is a chronic condition, and long-term use of low-dose muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory analgesics is advised. Addition...

Effective Solutions for Chronic Jaw Dislocation: A Patient's Guide

Hello, Dr. Yeh. About five or six years ago, I started experiencing dislocations of my jaw whenever I opened my mouth wide. In the earlier instances, I was able to forcefully bite down to realign it, but there was one time when it was so painful that I had to go to a martial arts...

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics
Jaw dislocation is related to dental occlusion, and it is more specialized in dentistry. Please consult Dr. Tseng, the head of our dental department, for your inquiries. Generally speaking, jaw dislocation is closely associated with abnormalities in the temporomandibular joint (T...

Managing Jaw Pain: Over-the-Counter Solutions and Treatment Options

Hello, doctor. For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing significant pain in my left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when biting down, although it is not severe enough to prevent me from opening my mouth to eat or drink. I occasionally use a warm compress to alleviate the sy...

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Dear Jerry, You are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder). Knowing that you are studying abroad and likely belong to a younger demographic, the joint pain you are experiencing may be due to the attachment of several masticatory muscles to the condyle, wh...