Many people with jaw pain live with the misconception that TMJ ( temporomandibular joint) pain or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) goes away on its own. But that’s far from the truth! TMD makes life painful. From speaking to yawning, even regular activities involving the jaw become difficult. The person struggling with TMJ pain experiences discomfort throughout the day. This level of discomfort can even become a part of you during sleep. Do you want to suffer from the excruciating pain of TMD throughout your life? Read on to learn how TMJ pain can disrupt your life:
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
A lot can go wrong with your health and can lead to TMD. The most common triggers of TMJ pain are:
- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Jaw injuries or jaw muscle dislocation
- Arthritis
- Poor posture of mouth
- Jaw misalignment
- Stress
Can TMJ Go Away Without Treatment?
The intensity of jaw pain can range from mild to severe. While simple lifestyle changes can support mild cases, TMD treatment becomes necessary in severe cases. Simple lifestyle changes that help everyone with TMD are:
- Reducing stress
- Avoiding jaw clenching
- Maintaining proper posture of mouth
- Following a diet rich in soft foods
How Long Do TMJ Symptoms Last?
The duration of TMJ pain depends on the severity of the disorder. While mild cases can recover within a few days or weeks, severe cases might take years to heal or even become a chronic issue. How long you experience the pain of TMD depends on how quickly you opt for its treatment. Studies indicate that over 30% of TMJ sufferers develop long-term issues if mild jaw issues are left untreated.
Risks of Leaving TMJ Untreated
More than 12 million U.S. adults complain of jaw pain or TMD. While many tend to ignore TMJ symptoms as minor jaw pain, it doesn’t take long for TMJ pain to worsen and develop into:
- Chronic pain that reaches the neck and shoulders
- Constant incidents of locked jaw
- Difficulty in speaking and chewing
- Headaches and earaches that just don’t go away
- Jaw inflammation
- Sleep disorder
Effective TMJ Treatments
If you are scared of the outcome of untreated TMJ pain, get on-time treatment for your condition for relief. The best TMJ pain solutions are:
- Physical therapy: If your TMD is at its primary stage, you can include jaw exercises in your routine to improve your jaw mobility.
- Oral appliances: Custom mouthguards are the only solution when you struggle with teeth grinding. These tools alleviate pressure from your jaw.
- Medications: Dental professionals can prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to manage jaw pain and swelling.
- Lifestyle changes: All your efforts might go in vain if you don’t get the necessary help for stress management.
TMJ symptoms might subside naturally in mild cases, but prolonged discomfort signals a deeper issue. Delaying TMD treatment increases the risk of chronic pain and joint damage. Seeking timely professional care ensures effective relief and prevents long-term complications. Need relief from TMJ pain? Contact a specialist today to explore treatment options.
