KOR
TMJ Disorders
TMJ Disorders
My jaw sounds whenever I open my mouth.
The temporomandibular joint(TMJ) is a joint that connects the lower jawbone with the temporal bone. TMJ disorders refer to the situation in which there are disorders in these joints. Patients with TMJ disorders experience snapping sounds when opening their mouths, or often find difficulties in opening them. Sometimes there are neckaches or headaches, and when the symptoms get worse it may lead to facial asymmetry.
Causes
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Habit of chewing food in only one side, or clenching one’s teeth
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Habit of gritting teeth, or sleeping face-down
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External shock, such as traffic accidents
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Chronic fatigue, stress, tension, anxiety
Symptoms
- Difficulties in opening or closing one’s mouth
- Snapping sounds when opening one’s mouth
- Facial asymmetry, and different jaw shapes
- Headache, or pain in the neck or shoulder area
- Chronic fatigue, dizziness, or ringing in the ears
Types
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Damaged muscles or tendons: The location and the jawbone is okay, but the muscles and tendons that move the jaw joints are damaged.
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Dislocated TMJ discs: The TMJ discs are dislocated to push forwards from the original location.
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Arthritis(bone joint deformation): The jaw muscles and tendons are damaged, along with arthritis in the TMJ. The patient may need surgery depending on the situation.
Treatments
Chuna Manual Therapy
The muscles and spine supporting the TMJ is straightened. This not only relieves the symptoms, but also prevents the TMJ disorders from relapsing.
Standard TMJ Orthodontic Device
The device relieves stress on masticator muscles and nearby muscles, adjusting the jaw into its original position. By reducing the overload that the TMJ is experiencing, various symptoms including headaches or pain around the neck muscles can be alleviated.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture relaxes the muscles in the treated area, helping the meridian (Hyul) and the chi (Ki) circulate better. It is also effective in strengthening the immune system and reducing pain.
Medicinal Acupuncture
A treatment in which refined, extracted herbal medicine is directly injected into the painful area. Medicinal acupuncture takes quick effect even with small dosages. It is also helpful for patients who cannot take herbal medicine due to indigestion.
Bee Venom Acupuncture
Bee venom is extracted and refined to be injected through acupuncture. The venom reduces the inflammatory reactions and pain.
Manual Therapy
Physical therapists manually treat to relax the stiff muscles supporting the TMJ. By relaxing the muscles, the treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent the disorders from relapsing.