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TMJ (jaw joint pain) and associated craniofacial pain syndrome can masquerade as so many other conditions; it often is difficult to diagnosis. Your "incurable" headache, ear or facial pain could be generated by your jaw joints, bite and spasm in the associated facial musculature. Even swallowing difficulty and snoring can be related to TMJ disorders. It is interesting to note that some Fibromyalgia, Tinnitus and Migraine patients can also be helped with conservative treatment (see below).
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Since the teeth, jaw joints and muscles can all be involved, conservative treatment for this condition varies. Typically, treatment will involve several phases. The first goal is to relieve the muscle spasm, pain, and inflammation. Then the specialist must correct the way the teeth fit together. This is accomplished by a removable device known as an orthotic/splint which is worn over the lower teeth until the bite is stabilized.
Along with the orthotic the specialist may also recommend:
- Exercise therapy
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Use of muscle relaxants
- Physical therapy modalities
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Craniofacial Pain
