Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is defined by an aching in the chewing muscles of the jaw. It is often associated with limitations in the ability to move the jaw as well as with clicking or popping sounds in the jaw. The pain generally occurs around the temporomandibular joint in the jaw, the sides of the face and head, the back of the head and the neck and shoulders. The pain is usually described as intermittent, dull and aching, but can sometimes be constant. The pain is often made worse by chewing hard food or by yawning. Symptoms can continue for years. Some patients feel their jaw does not move correctly when opening or closing the mouth. Their teeth may not meet when the mouth is closed as well.
Diagnosis
Careful examination of the mouth and dental structures is usually undertaken as a first step. Additionally, careful examination of the muscular structures at the sides and back of the head, neck and shoulders helps to determine the extent of the problem. X-rays of the temporomandibular joint are sometimes used. MRI examinations can give additional detail and show if there is displacement of the disk or arthritis in the temporomandibular joint itself. Other diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the arteries at the sides of the head, infections and tumors can also cause these symptoms. Appropriate tests for these diseases are undertaken as necessary.
Treatment
Treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) often involves a team of specialists for best results. Dental specialists help with splints applied in the mouth. Injections of anesthetic medications around the muscles over the joint can be helpful in reducing the pain from TMJ dysfunction. Nerve block treatments to help reduce pain in regions of the head, neck and shoulders related to this disorder are also helpful in long-term treatment. Physical therapy methods to reduce muscle irritability in the jaw as well as in the neck and shoulders are also useful treatments for TMJ dysfunction. The utilization of biofeedback training and relaxation therapy in conjunction with these other measures can provide additional relief in selected patients.
The Priority Health Spine Centers of Excellence program was created to ensure that all patients with persistent neck pain, back pain or other spine-related problems receive a comprehensive, non-surgical medical evaluation for their condition. For patients whose condition does not require urgent or emergent surgical intervention, an evaluation by a certified Priority Health Spine Center of Excellence is required prior to any referral to an orthopedic or neurosurgeon for back or neck care.
Tri-County Pain Consultants, PC is honored to be recognized by Priority Health as a Spine Center of Excellence for West Michigan. Our team of pain management specialists have a proven track record providing high quality medical care that meets and exceeds the strict criteria required by Priority Health for a Spine Center of Excellence designation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practice of using small needles inserted at very precise points on the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. Acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles and connective tissues, prompting increased blood flow to injured areas of the body, boosting the body’s natural healing process. Acupuncture provides a low risk treatment option that can be beneficial for pain syndromes due to an injury or associated with chronic degenerative diseases.
Cryoablation
Cryoablation is a procedure done in office that utilizes a specially equipped needle guided under fluoroscopy to freeze the area surrounding a nerve that is causing pain or discomfort. The goal of cryoablation is to interrupt the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain and provide pain relief.
Discography
A discography is a diagnostic tool your pain management specialist may use to help determine the disc or discs that are the source of your pain. For this procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the gel like center of the suspected disc or discs, allowing your pain physician to see cracks or leaks in the disc membrane. Typically a patient receiving a discography will be given a local anesthetic or numbing agent. All discographies are performed by a certified pain management specialists under fluoroscopy.
IDET
IDET, or Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy, is a procedure used to treat discogenic back pain. IDET involves the use a heated probe inserted into the gel like disc which heats up the inside of the affected disc. Heating the inside of the disc can destroy pain causing nerve fibers and seals any cracks or holes in the disc.
Intrathecal Pump Therapy
An intrathecal pump is an implanted medical device that delivers pain medication directly to the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord. An intrathecal pump is indicated in cases where patients have difficulty with oral medications or where previous pain interventions have been ineffective.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a procedure designed to help relieve pain caused by compression fractures of the spine. During a kyphoplasty procedure, a small tube is inserted into the fractured area. Once the tube is in place, the physician inflates a small balloon within the fractured area to raise the area, returning the broken pieces to a more normal position. The balloon is then deflated and the space is filled with a bone cement, effectively stabilizing the fractured area.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy, or manipulative therapy, is a direct contact physical treatment used primarily to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability, intended to restore joint or soft tissue mobility. Treatment may include joint mobilization and manipulation, muscle stretching, and resistance therapy to advance muscle timing and activation.
Medication Management
Mecication Management is medical care provided by your pain management physician to optimize the use of prescribed medication to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients.
Nerve Block Technique
A procedure in which an anesthetic agent is injected directly near a nerve to block pain. A nerve block is a form of regional anesthesia.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a task orientated treatment program designed to help patients regain their ability to perform daily living and work activities after serious illness injury or disability. Therapy focuses on the facilitation of daily tasks of self-care, work, and play/leisure activities, to help patients regain the ability to perform daily living and work activities.
Radiofrequency Lesioning
Radiofrequency lesioning is an advanced procedure using a specialized machine to interrupt nerve conduction on a semi-permanent basis. The nerves are usually blocked for 6–9 months. The procedure is typically most effective in treating joint pain in the spine.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
A spinal cord stimulator is a small electrical device implanted just under the skin in the lower back that delivers low level electrical signals to tiny electrodes implanted in the epidural space of your spine. These electrical pulses interrupt the pain signal from reaching your brain, replacing them with a mild tingling in the area where pain is felt. The device is controlled through a magnetic remote control, which allows patients the ability to turn the device on or off, and adjust the intensity as needed.
Stress Management
Stress management is clinical therapy designed to help individuals cope with or lessen the physical and emotional effects of strain and anxiety. Stress-management may include relaxation techniques, time-management skills, counseling or group therapy, exercise, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.
