Common Causes of TMJ Pain and Discomfort - Learn from a Leading TMJ Specialist : Dr. Jerry Mulder DDS
Dr. Jerry B. Mulder DDS
Do you experience jaw pain after sleeping, chewing, or eating? Have you ever experienced discomfort when making facial expressions or hear clicking/popping sounds when you open your mouth? While it isn’t always the case, most of these problems can be linked to your temporomandibular joint, more commonly known as TMJ.
What is TMJ? (temporomandibular joint)
Your TMJ connects the jaw to the skull, making it the most complex joint in the human body. Naturally, like any other part of the body, the TMJ is susceptible to different disorders and issues that can cause discomfort. Dr. Jerry Mulder and Dr. Allyson Mulder have spent years studying the complexities and specifics that make up the temporomandibular joint so you can finally find relief from your symptoms and take your life back!
Dr. Jerry Mulder and Dr. Allyson Mulder specialize in TMJ disorders like Craniofacial Pain and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. They received their fellowships from the Academy of Craniofacial Pain in Dallas and residency program at University of Tennessee. Through this, they developed a very strong neuromuscular background in TMJ orthodontics and TMJ reconstruction.
Since the TMJ is so heavily used in our day-to-day lives and is made up of bones, cartilage, muscles, and ligaments, diagnosing a patient with specific TMJ disorders requires thorough examinations. Dr. Jerry Mulder and Dr. Allyson Mulder state that TMJ disorders typically fall under one of three categories:
muscular
joint related
trigger point (knots)
Muscular & stress Related TMJ disorders
The most common category of TMJ disorders stems from stress or repetition of high tension movements, according to Dr. Mulder. If you experience headaches (specifically after waking up), a sore jaw, or notice the wearing down of your teeth, you’re most likely unknowingly grinding your teeth together.
Grinding the top and bottom teeth together is one of the most common bodily reactions to dealing with stress. It is most common for teeth grinding to occur while you’re asleep, but you may easily do this while you’re awake without even noticing! The repetitive movement and pressure used to grind the two halves of the jaw together overworks the TMJ — think of it like overworking your knees by doing too many squats at the gym.
Treating muscular tMJ discomfort with dental Assistance
Not only is stress biting/grinding the most common cause of TMJ discomfort, it’s also the easiest to treat! Most dentists are trained to mold a custom mouth guard or bite splint that can significantly decrease the symptoms associated with jaw, neck, head, or teeth pain caused by grinding teeth at night. If you’re someone who grinds their teeth during the day, Botox injections can be just as effective as a mouth guard! Even better, Botox injections last up to 5 months and don’t require a trip to the dentist or a mouth guard!
treating muscular TMJ discomfort with botox
Typically, 15-20 units of Botox are administered into each of the masseter (cheek) and temporal (temple) muscles. Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles it is injected into, making it impossible to clench the jaw tightly enough to cause damage due to grinding teeth together. It also relieves built up tension in the TMJ. Botox injections are noninvasive, nonsurgical, and require little-to-no downtime after treatment. A typical Botox appointment takes 15-30 minutes to complete and provides relief that lasts months!
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With this promotion, you could treat your masseter and temporal muscles for TMJ, and treat other health issues such as migraines by getting free Botox injections in the forehead or neck. Book a free Wellness Consultation with one of our Botox experts HERE to take back your life!
Joint Related TMJ Disorders
The second common category of TMJ disorders stems from issues directly related to the TMJ (joint) itself. The temporomandibular joint is like a knee joint: it is made up of a ball (condyle), socket, and a disc, like the meniscus in the knee. The disc lubricates the joint. If a joint is abnormally loaded from an injury, trauma to the head, or accidentally biting too hard, the disc can move forward and the condyle (the ball) moves back. When this happens, the joint is dislocated. If you’ve ever heard a click or pop when opening your mouth or chewing, this is most likely the cause. Just like dislocating your knee or shoulder, popping the TMJ out of alignment can lead to severe pain or other disorders.
Bone-on-bone: causes inflammation (arthritis), which will erode the joint
Condyle pressing on the front wall of the ear: causes ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and balance issues (vertigo)
Face & neck muscles fire at an elevated level to try to protect the joint: causes muscles to become very sore, headaches, and facial pain
Treating Joint-related TMJ discomfort
Treatment for a dislocated joint typically requires some form of highly customized decompression orthotic and stabilizer. A noninvasive, simpler form of treatment is Botox Injections in the masseter and temporal muscles.
Trigger Point Related TMJ Disorders
The last common cause of TMJ disorders stems from trigger points. A trigger point is a balled-up muscle or knot. Generally, these will be found in muscles that are used excessively throughout the day, such as the neck, shoulders, jaw, and temples. These trigger points often refer pain to other parts of the head and neck. For example, a trigger point in the shoulders can cause pain behind the eyes, over the top of the head, and down the shoulders.
Treating Trigger point related tMJ discomfort
Trigger points are usually treated with injections with an anti-inflammatory steroids or with Botox.
How to get a TMJ Disorder Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose TMJ disorders is to take a CBCT (Cat Scan) of the joint and the nasal cavity. Next, you’ll most likely be required to take a soft tissue test, such as a Joint Vibration Analysis, Sonogram, or MRI. Some form of Jaw tracking is very effective to determine range of motion and obstructive opening patterns. Finally, EMG readings of the major head and neck muscles will be conducted to assess the activity of these muscles. Normally an exam of this caliber will take roughly two hours.
There is a 75% commonality between patients who have Obstructive Sleep Apnea and those with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. It is critical for a person to be screened for Sleep Apnea during the TMJ screening and vice versa. Very few doctors are well trained in all four of these areas. With the correct diagnosis, we find most treatment options are very effective and extremely successful!
If you experience any of the symptoms discussed in this article, reach out to Dr. Jerry Mulder, Dr. Allyson Mulder, or book a free Wellness Consultation at Urban You to learn more about treating your TMJ discomfort with medical Botox injections! We know that TMJ disorders can be painful and debilitating, and we want you to live an abundant and joyful life!
