Could sleep be the best remedy for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD)? It may not be the absolute solution, however, it significantly improves TMJ symptoms and pain. Sleep deprivation or disturbances may actually increase TMD pain. There are also sleep disorders that mimic similar symptoms to TMJ pain. We've talked about this in our previous post on sleep apnea and TMJ. You can read more about that here.
Lack of sleep can be detrimental to those suffering from inflammation, autoimmune disease, and TMJ sufferers. Even things such as your posture are affected by lack of sleep. Just imagine, you get little sleep, wake up, hit the snooze button, run to the office and slouch into your chair. Being hunched over, having poor posture, or sleeping in the wrong position can alter your alignment affecting your head, neck, and jaw.
If you suffer from jaw pain and TMJ pain try not to sleep on your stomach. Instead, try sleeping on your back. A physical therapist can also help alleviate some pain for some patients, depending on their individual symptoms. Sometimes, TMJ patients have other joint pain. It is very important that these issues are addressed. Although knee pain may seem to be different than jaw pain they can be intimately related.
The TMJ Doctor, located in Beverly Hills, is a center for TMJ therapy and treatment. If you have questions about our office and Dr. Farnad, the TMJ Doctor, give us a call at (310)276-5300. We look forward to hearing from you!
The other day a patient asked us if there was a connection between her TMJ and her snoring. This is such an interesting question that we are very excited to address.
There is no direct relationship between sleep apnea and TMJ, but many sleep apnea patients have TMJ symptoms, such as muscle pain, due to emotional discomfort and lack of sleep. Patients with a small lower jaw, known as mandibular hypoplasia, have a greater chance of having TMJ derangement. Therefore, TMJ and sleep apnea are indirectly related.
Furthermore, the appliance that is made for TMJ and sleep apnea, an anterior positioning splint, is almost the same! In both appliances, the lower jaw is being moved forward. This is why a lot of general dentists offer TMJ and sleep apnea treatment to their patients. We believe it is important to see a specialist for TMJ and sleep apnea because not every patient should use, or will, benefit from a splint. Take a look at our previous post about splint therapy for TMJ, here.
For more information about what TMJ treatment is right for you, call our office for a consultation
If you have recently had your tonsils removed and are experiencing jaw pain, your pain is not uncommon or unusual. During your procedure, the intubation can cause jaw joint disorders and jaw pain. In order to do a tonsillectomy the surgeon must open your mouth quickly and make sure the mouth is open wide to insert the respiration tube. The length of the surgery is directly related to how long your mouth remains open, which can cause pain to the jaw joint. If you are experiencing a lot of pain after your tonsillectomy you should consult your physician. If the pain occurs months after your procedure, you should see a TMJ specialist.
Today we found a great article on Dr. Oz's website about grinding and of course we love sharing these articles with you! Some key points mentioned in the article are: 1. If you experience tightening or pain in the jaw, headaches, your teeth feel worn down, your fillings are breaking or broken, your gums are injured, or you make grinding sounds while sleeping, you should see a dentist immediately. 2. Custom nightguards made by your dentist can relieve some pain and can prevent further grinding or bruxism. However, as mentioned in our previous posts, nightguards or splints are not for everyone. An oral surgeon will be able to give you a better grasp on your individual needs. 3. Botox injections can relieve over-active muscles or spasms occurring in the jaw, head, and neck. 4. Relaxation is very important, massage therapy and physical therapy can alleviate jaw pain. \ 5. Increase your intake of Vitamin B and Vitamin C to stop depression and anxiety. This will help calm you down and hopefully decrease your grinding/bruxism. 6. Get active! Release your tension through excercise. Most importantly, if you are in pain call us for a consultation so we can provide you with the treatment plan that is created just for you, because your TMJ symptoms are unique just like you!
Many of our patients suffer from tremendous TMJ pain and we want to offer them minimally invasive solutions that really work. Botox has been made famous for preventing and minimizing wrinkles. However, one of its greatest and lesser known attributes is that it is an effective treatment for TMJ.
First, you need to be properly assessed for TMJ by a doctor that truly understands jaw mobility and TMJ dysfunction. Not only do you want to see someone with expertise in TMJ but in using Botox for treating TMJ specifically.
Botox treatment for TMJ takes about 10-20 minutes, depending on how much the patient needs for their individual symptoms. The number of treatments depends on how each patient reacts to the Botox, which lasts about 3-4 months. Many people feel better after 3 treatments because the muscle gets smaller and allows the patient to break habits, such as grinding and repetitive clenching. Often times, Botox is an excellent way to manage painful flair ups and chronic pain without having a surgical procedure.
Much like any other medical procedure, Botox does have risks and benefits. However, it is very safe and the most common side effects are temporary bruising, numbness, slight swelling, and redness. Any potential risks and side effects are minimal and do not last very long.
To see if Botox is the right type of treatment for your TMJ or jaw pain, contact our office for a complimentary TMJ consulation. Dr. Farnad has a holistic approach to treating TMJ. He will review your entire medical health history, discuss your current sleeping habits, stress levels, and overall health. After proper diagnosis, he will determine how many units of Botox will effectively treat your TMJ and jaw pain. Not only will Dr. Farnad call you the evening of your procedure to check in on you, but he will want to see you one to two weeks afterwards to attentively follow your treatment, ensuring the best results and care.
To schedule your consultation, call our office at (310)276-5300.
This video is a wonderful demonstration of what Botox can do to help your TMJ symptoms:
To schedule a consultation call us at (310)276-5300 or toll free (855)276-5300
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