Understanding the temporomandibular joint anatomy helps explain its crucial role in the daily functionality and harmony of your jaw, neck, and head.
While commonly associated with jaw movement and chewing, the temporomandibular joint’s (TMJ) intricate anatomy and connection to the neck can significantly impact headaches and craniofacial pain. This article explores the TMJ anatomy and sheds light on the fascinating interplay between your jaw joint, the neck, and headaches.
Category: Jaw Injury
There are multiple types of jaw injuries and disorders that can cause problems. Some include intrinsic jaw injuries, dislocations, fractures, misaligned teeth, whiplash-triggered jaw injuries, and more.
Diagnosis and treatment for jaw injuries depend on how severe the issue is. If you have a minor fracture, it may heal on its own but still, give you trouble later on. It is best to see a doctor or orofacial pain specialist.
If the bone is damaged, a period of 2–6 weeks is commonly needed for your initial bone healing. It may trigger long-term issues if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
Domestic Violence Increases Risk of TMD
Domestic Violence Increases Risk of TMD By Julia Worrall RN, CCRN, SANE | Reviewed by Ann McCullouch Are you aware of the link between domestic violence, intimate partner violence (IPV), and painful temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)? The World Health Organization’s Violence against Women Fact Sheet notes that “While much of the focus on brain injury… Continue reading Domestic Violence Increases Risk of TMD
When TMJ Pain Becomes a Catastrophe
When TMJ Pain Becomes a Catastrophe By Ann McCulloch | Reviewed by Brad Eli DMD, MS “Pain catastrophizing” is when the emotional part of our brain amplifies and magnifies pain. Learn how this relates to TMJ pain and mindfulness techniques that help. Understanding how acute pain becomes chronic is one of the most important topics… Continue reading When TMJ Pain Becomes a Catastrophe
What is a Dental Deprogrammer?
What is a Dental Deprogrammer? Can it Adjust your Bite? By Ann McCulloch Deprogrammers are short-term oral splints used in dentistry to “deprogram” muscle memory in your jaw muscles. The term “dental deprogrammer” originated in dental concepts focused on neuromuscular reprogramming and how the masticatory muscles function when you chew, swallow, talk, yawn and make… Continue reading What is a Dental Deprogrammer?
What are Anterior Bite Plane Splints?
When is an Anterior Bite Splint is Right for You? By Ann McCulloch | Reviewed by Dr. Brad Eli Not all oral appliances are just for teeth! Anterior Bite Splints are short-term mouthguards that help with jaw sprain/strain (JAMSS) and headaches. Numerous medical mouthguards are on the market, making comparing mouthguard types and splint options… Continue reading What are Anterior Bite Plane Splints?
Can a TMJ Disorder be Fixed?
Can a TMJ disorder be fixed? By Ann McCulloch | Part 1 I have been treated for TMJ disorders. My professional training is not in dentistry. My experiences started out with being told by a dentist that I had TMJ. Today, two orofacial pain specialists are my business partners and I have learned about the… Continue reading Can a TMJ Disorder be Fixed?
Intrinsic Jaw Injuries
Treatment of Intrinsic Injuries to the Jaw’s Temporomandibular Joint. Sustained mouth opening and hyperextension injuries are the most common intrinsic injuries of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Hyperextension injuries of the temporomandibular joints can occur during intubation for general anesthesia, likely because the jaw muscles are paralyzed during induction, making the TMJ more susceptible to hyperextension.
Whiplash Triggered Jaw Injuries
Whiplash Induced TMJ Injuries and Delayed Onset of Symptoms By Dr. Brad Eli and Dr. James Elliott The incidence or prevalence of whiplash injury and TMJ where patients report jaw locking and facial pain indicates a need for speed to treatment. Whiplash-induced jaw injuries occur with sudden hyperextension and hyperflexion of the neck, typically in… Continue reading Whiplash Triggered Jaw Injuries