
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull. It is also one of the most complex joints in your body. Up and down and side to side jaw movements are made possible through hinge actions and sliding motions of the temporomandibular joint. In addition, the temporomandibular joint is utilized for chewing, talking, and even yawning. When the joint is aligned, movements are smooth and painless, but neck and upper back pain and overall discomfort can be debilitating when this joint is not aligned. None of which sounds like a great time.
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint syndrome, has many causes but most often are related to injuries to the jaw, head muscles, or neck muscles. Other possible causes of TMJ are:
- Pressure from grinding or clenching teeth
- Tightening of facial and jaw muscles due to stress
- Allergies and breathing problems
- Missing teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Dislocation of the disk separating the ball and socket of the TMJ
Back Pain before Treating TMJ
Symptoms of TMJ can range from headaches to pain along the upper back. TMJ can also affect posture, as the temporomandibular joint plays a vital role in keeping the head balanced on top of the spinal cord. Bad posture can lead to discomfort in other areas of your body. This discomfort can become quite unbearable if one is required to sit for work or be on their feet all day. TMJ pain can significantly decrease your ability to perform daily tasks or find enjoyment in even the little things.
Things like bending over, jumping, walking, running, talking can be excruciating with TMJ. If TMJ-related pain keeps you from performing daily tasks with ease and you are noticing yourself clenching your jaw, a good idea would be to discuss the possibility of TMJ with Dr. Konig.
Relief from TMJ Related Pain
With 8 out of ten patients going to the dentist exhibiting TMJ, Dr. Konig will thoroughly assess patients to determine if TMJ is the cause of their neck and upper back pain.
TMJ treatment has two phases: first, treating your pain and then correcting TMJ movement and functions. After determining which treatment will be the most beneficial, Dr. Konig may offer one of these pain relief options:
- Ultra Low-Frequency TENS
- Iontophoresis
- Moist Heat
- Myofunctional Therapy
- Pharmacological Agents
- Physical Therapy
- Pain Release Splint (PRS)
- Neuromuscular Oral Orthotic
- Cervical Therapy
Back Pain After Treating TMJ
Kick TMJ-related pain goodbye with phase two of treatment. Phase two focuses on treating the root issue causing TMJ. The treatments offered are:
- Occlusal Equilibration
- Implant Dentistry
- Orthopedic Appliances
- Orthodontics
Don’t let TMJ slow you down! Instead, live life to the fullest with TMJ treatments performed by Dr. Konig in his Houston, TX office. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for TMJ and get started on the road towards TMJ pain relief!