Find Relief from Pain with a TMJ Specialist in Maryland

Pain on either side of your head in front of the ears might be caused by a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). The expert medical team at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center offers TMJ pain treatments at their convenient office location in Gaithersburg, Olney, Dundalk, Baltimore, Hyattsville, Lanham, and Rosedale, Maryland. If you are in the Washington, D.C., or Maryland area, consult with a Gaithersburg in TMJ specialist at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center through mobile or book online.

What Is A TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint is found where the jawbone meets your skull on either side of your head. This joint allows one to speak, chew, and open their mouth while yawning. Pain in one or both of these joints is known as a TMJ disorder or TMD.

Aside from pain, the common signs and symptoms associated with a TMJ disorder might include earaches, difficulty chewing, uneven bite, facial pain, tenderness in the jaw, headache, and jaw locking. With a TMJ disorder, you might also experience a grating sensation or clicking sound when you open your mouth or chew.

What Are the Common Causes of TMJ Disorders?

The TMJ is one of the most complex joints found in your body. It combines sliding motions with hinge action to help you chew and speak. The cartilage covers the ends of your bones while a small, shock-absorbing disc separates the bones maintaining smooth movement.

The intricate nature and heavy function of the TMJ leave it susceptible to a wide range of damages, including:

•       Overuse due to teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
•       Cartilage damage from arthritis.
•       Acute trauma, such as a blow to the head.
•     Worn down or misaligned disc.

In some circumstances, there is no apparent cause of your TMJ disorder. Most people who experience this condition benefit from at-home treatments, such as relaxation techniques and self-massage to ease muscle tension. If you fail to find relief from TMJ pain through at-home care, the providers at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center can offer you the help you need.

How to Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?

You might receive a TMJ disorder diagnosis from another healthcare provider, such as a dentist or primary physician. To understand the scope of your condition, your provider at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center conducts an extensive physical exam and cross-checks your medical history.

If necessary, your physician may take an MRI or X-ray of your jaw area. Once an accurate diagnosis is determined, your provider determines the most suitable treatment plan for you. Depending on the extremity of your TMJ disorder, treatment might include:

•   Botox injections.
•   Corrective dental treatment.
•   Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
•   Steroid injections.
•   Oral medications.

Severe cases of TMJ disorder, which won’t improve with these treatments, might need surgery.

That said, the team at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center is passionate about offering lasting relief from TMJ pain. Each of the providers has specialized training in pain management and takes a multidisciplinary approach to enhance the mental, physical, and emotional wellness of men and women across the Washington, D.C. and Maryland areas.

To access the best-in-class progressive care, call the office near you or use the convenient online booking tool today to schedule an appointment.