Lack of Sleep & TMJ Pain

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! 

www.thetmjdoctor.com

Is Your Clicking or Popping Jaw Common?

Do you experience a popping, grating, or clicking sound? The good news is you're not alone! Many people have minor jaw joint problems. Not everyone who experiences occasional clicking or popping sounds has TMJ.

The proper word for a popping, clicking, or grating sound around the jaw joint is Crepitus. A study released by Dr. Woelfel, discussed in Woelfel's Dental Anatomy, conducted from 1970 to 1986, studying over 1000 jaws of dental and hygiene students to determine how common jaw popping/crepitus was. Dr. Woelfel examined each student. He discovered that over 60% of students had no popping or clicking when they opened their mouth fully and under 40% of students had clicking or popping when they opened their mouth. By the sounds of this study, clicking and popping is pretty common!

What do these sounds mean? It means if the clicking and popping is really disruptive, constant, or painful then you should see a professional for proper TMJ diagnosis and treatment. There are numerous forms of conservative treatments that you can do at home. To learn more about what you can do at home, see our last post: http://thetmjdoctor.blogspot.com/2013/08/tips-tricks-for-tmj.html or visit our website: http://www.thetmjdoctor.com/#!life-with-tmj/cwcs.

To schedule a consultation call us at (310)276-5300 or toll free (855)276-5300

421 N. Rodeo Dr. Ste T8

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

www.thetmjdoctor.com

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