If you’re experiencing stiffness in your shoulders or neck, you could have the medical condition known as TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) on either side of your jaw connect your lower jawbone to your skull. The proper positioning of these joints allows you to speak, chew, and yawn. They’re also responsible for facial expressions. When the joints are misaligned, you can experience a wide variety of symptoms that may seem unrelated to your TMJs. Chandler, AZ dentist Dr. Mark Arooni provides a non-surgical solution to this painful disorder. Nightly mouth guards, lifestyle modifications, and neuromuscular therapy have all been proven to reduce TMJ associated pain.
More About TMJ Pain
Your two temporomandibular joints have a lot of responsibility and many functions. This explains the slew of symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. Along with neck and shoulder stiffness, TMJ disorder presents itself as multiple, unexplainable headaches. Those who suffer for TMJ disorder are often misdiagnosed and assume that they are sentenced to a life of chronic pain, however with Dr. Arooni’s non-surgical treatment methods, we can often alleviate chronic pain.
Sinus headaches, persistent migraines, and muscle spasms are other TMJ symptoms. It may seem odd that these symptoms are results of misaligned joints in your jaw, but by seeking out dental care, you can minimize and even completely eliminate your painful symptoms.
Other TMJ disorder symptoms include:
- Locked jaw
- Popping sound when opening your jaw
- Excruciating pain when chewing, talking, or yawning
Dr. Arooni’s Non-Surgical Solutions
Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards
Roughly 10 million US citizens experience the negative effects of TMJ associated nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism). Chandler, AZ dentist Dr. Arooni suggests the use of a nightly mouth guard to reduce teeth grinding. Many of those who suffer from TMJ pain unknowingly grind their teeth while they sleep; this causes headaches, muscle soreness and can wear down the enamel on your teeth. Dr. Arooni will examine your mouth and provide you with a custom-fitted mouth guard. He will ask that you wear this device while you sleep to reduce the grinding. The mouth guard will also ensure that your jaw maintains it’s rightful position at night. The reduction of grinding mixed with the proper jaw alignment will